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Mario & Luigi: Fallen Wishes

Chapter 6: Survival of the Strongest

The Hero Quartet must reach the top of Rage Rock Ridge, the highest mountain top in all of the tainted Kingdom, to face the next Ztar Spirit. May only the mighty reach the Crimson Knight up at the summit.

~~~

A story created by my mind and built with @luigiman64, @blueshidx and I’s cooking, Mario & Luigi: Fallen Wishes! Very happy to bring this work to life alongside them.

Certain characters and settings belong to Nintendo, Intelligent Systems, and AlphaDream. I do not take credit for any of what doesn’t belong to me.

The bridge down to Rickety Rock Ridge’s base wobbled with every step the group took. Everyone kept their gazes forward and hands tight on the bridge’s ropes… all while Luigi shook in his spot as he walked.

If he or the others were to fall, the result would only be fatal. The fog that covered the waters below sent shivers up Luigi’s spine. He tried not to think about it too much as kept his focus on Mario, who was just in front of him.

“Tread carefully, Luigi.” Ludwig said, noticing Luigi’s slight lack of focus.

“Yeah! You’re not helping by shaking so much!” Junior added.

Mario then turned back to Junior, appearing puzzled… and Junior wasn’t helping by sassing his brother. Junior only huffed and kept his gaze off of Mario as the red plumber brought his attention back to the walkway in front of him.

It wasn’t too long before the group had reached the bridge’s end, jumping from one of the last few boards to reach the ground. Everyone walked forward amidst the pale red fog that surrounded them as they began to wander the mountain’s base.

The hard gravel stones barely crunched from underneath their feet, it was like stepping on coals. The ground also bore a similar red color as the fog, with a tinge of brownish orange embedded in the red stones and dirt.

The group then looked up… but couldn’t see much past the mountain’s lower end. The thick fog blocked any chance of seeing any higher.

“…Do we really gotta climb that?” Junior asked.

“The only way we can go to progress is up, Junior.” Ludwig said. “There’s no way around it.”

Junior groaned. Ludwig only sighed in response. The Bros. then turned their heads left, spotting a path that lead upward… it was true, their only way was up.

As Junior settled on his fate, the Koopa kids followed close behind the Bros. Just as they began walking along the trail, a glint of bright red light caught Luigi’s eyes.

The group stopped as Luigi stared at the mountain wall… a message was engraving itself within the mountain.

To those who dare to bare thy might,

Shall be prepared for many a plight,

And best beware the Crimson Knight

The group stared at the jagged engraving, pondering its meaning, before Cosmo suddenly made his presence known, appearing beside the Bros.

“…I would expect such perils from a mountain climb… but what of this 'Crimson Knight'…?” Cosmo pondered, before a realization suddenly came to him. “Ah! Muskular!”

The group turned back, wanting more info… the Bros. also seemed to notice how tiredly Cosmo appeared, his appearance before them now slightly faded, but the Bros. had no time to ask anything before the Sprite began to speak.

“Muskular is admired by many for his courage and strength, and many a sailor aspire for his navigation of the seas. Such a Spirit is also quite acquainted with keeping one’s health the highest priority.” Cosmo explained… he then appeared to shudder for a moment. “I can only fear how Nox’s magic has corrupted his heart… we must make haste! Surely he has perched himself upon the mountain’s summit.”

Ludwig nodded. “I see… with such a strong Spirit, we haven’t a moment to waste.” He said. “…I also feel it’s plausible we should find a way to get Luigi’s Thunderhand back as soon as possible.”

Luigi nodded at that, seeming excited… it was always fun and exhilarating to mess around with such power, a touch of chaos that he actually liked. He followed the others close behind as Cosmo disappeared and the ground began travelling upward.

…As they began their ascent though, Luigi felt as if some unseen eyes were watching him… another shiver went up his spine for only a moment as he ascended with the others.

~~~

The climb up the mountain was long… as to be expected. No walk up such a steep slope is easy. The grouped stayed fairly close, the Bros. taking on any enemies as they ascended while the Koopas helped with gathering items.

As the group walked, they took notice in some of the scenery. A few small spears and swords were strewn around, stuck in the ground or walls… the Bros. then began to notice Cosmo’s eerie silence again.

The group continued their ascent, seeing just how high up they were. They peered over the dark clouds, seeing the sun nearing the westward sky. The sight was a beauty, a breath of fresh air for the heroes… before they suddenly stopped, noticing their path past the midway point of the mountain was blocked by a pair of… anchors?

“Aw, man! Come on!” Junior said, crossing his arms. “Something’s always gotta hold us up, huh!?”

“This could be a time of respite, Junior.” Ludwig pointed out. “The brothers could heal up.”

Junior then scoffed. “…I guess.” He said.

The Bros. took their time to relax for a moment, as did Ludwig and Junior. As the Koopas talked of their home and missing brother, Mario and Luigi both shared their items amongst each other… they’d talk about their lives then, but what was there to talk about?

Their home and friends were in jeopardy. Two of the world’s overseers and wish-granters were still lost to Darkness. One of the worst beings they had ever faced was back from the dead… and Luigi still didn’t have his Thunderhand back. Both Bros. sighed over the circumstances they were in, but they knew they couldn’t let that get them down.

…Luigi then began to ponder to himself, how come he and his Bro just couldn’t use their elemental abilities on their own? It would’ve saved a lot of time, especially with the circumstances they were in. He recalls what Misstar had mentioned about their powers back at Ice-Shine Island, but only now had it crossed him, now that the circumstances of the world somewhat rested in that back of his mind… what did she mean?

'…Hm… it appears those powers have gone unused for quite some time… you can’t use them on your own accord. I am to believe that another force is assisting you with the use of these powers.'

“…To answer your question, Luigi,” Cosmo then began for both Bros. to hear. “Your elemental powers had never gotten used again after your Beanbean Kingdom venture, yes?”

The Bros. nod at that… there was never really a time or place to use them again.

“The powers of Firebrand and Thunderhand are very special, very unlike most Power-Ups. Abilities handed down from the Star Realm to the mortal lands, forever guarded by the Spirits of Fire and Thunder.” Cosmo explained. “If these powers are to go unused for a long period of time, their connection to the bearer weakens, bringing upon the inability to use the power on one’s own merit. These powers, much like any force of Light, must be handled delicately and with care. Otherwise, its luster and power will fade.”

…What Cosmo said felt true. The elemental powers were unlike anything they’d seen before. To have these powers felt like a blessing from the Stars.

“Because these powers were not only granted by, but created by creatures of the Stars, only those of the Star Realm can assist in rekindling the bearer’s abilities if they are to dissipate… unless one was to get a surge of these powers through physical contact with Fire or Thunder, a method only used in truly dire situations.” Cosmo said. “For the longest time, only I could temporarily rekindle your powers via your Finishers, for I lack the power to truly surge your powers as a Star Sprite... But now, we can fully bring your powers back!”

“Oh, yeah!” Luigi said triumphantly… just thinking about getting to use his powers on his own again excited him. Mario smiled at that.

“…And yet…” Cosmo continued, seemingly not realizing he was speaking. “…Will I still be of use to you…?”

…The Bros. paused at that… why—!?

A rumbling sound then knocked the Bros. and Koopas out of their thoughts and rest as they rose to their feet and looked upward… once they all stood, the rumbling had stopped.

“W-what was that!?” Junior asked in panic.

“…Perhaps the mountain grows weary of us.” Ludwig said. “We’ve rested enough for now… but how do we pass the gate here?”

The group then noticed a bright red light flashing along the wall above the anchor gate… another engraving.

Face thy fears and advance thy fist

Do not dare hold back or resist

Bend and break, eye the gory

To pass the Grand Gate of Glory

“…Hm. I wonder…” Ludwig said to himself as he and the others turned to the left and right of where they stood. Two paths branched outward to the other sides of the mountain.

The farther they looked out, the more apparent the shapes of the mountain sides had become… they were shaped like flexing biceps.

“We have two choices.” Ludwig said before turning to the Bros. “Mario! Luigi! Which way should we go first?”

“And make it quick!” Junior added.

The Bros. thought about it for only a moment, before both pointed left… Ludwig nodded as he and Junior turned to the direction at which they pointed.

“We have nothing left to lose right now. Onward!” Ludwig said as went forward with the others following behind.

“…My legs are already starting to hurt again…” Junior said as the walk continued.

~~~

The group continued down the mountain’s left side, the Bros. fighting a few enemies as they passed. The way was far more clear, for there was little fog blocking their way forth.

As they continued down the path however… a loud sound made its presence known. Snoring…?

“…You hear that too right?” Junior asked.

“Perhaps someone fell asleep during an escapade up the mountain.” Ludwig considered. “…But who would take a rest here of all places? When Darkness is afoot?”

As the group waded forward, the Bros. tried to think of the possibilities of who could’ve also been here, before the sound began to have a sort of familiarity to it… the sound of a Toad peacefully sleeping…

“Oh! Finally, some customers!” A Toad voice suddenly called out. “Hi, Mario! Hi, Luigi!”

The Bros. and Koopas turned their heads to the right to notice a pair of faces they thought they wouldn’t cross again. Captain Toad, alongside the always tired Yellow Toad of the Toad Brigade, sat in front of a small wooden stand. A few items and pieces of gear were strewn about… why would they have a shop here? There was no Starlight barrier to keep them guarded.

Mario and Luigi stepped forward to the shop with the Koopa kids close behind, looking upon the gear and items they had. The Koopas though looked more confused than anything.

“Why are you here?” Ludwig asked. “We thought you wanted to stay within Doop Doop Dunes.”

“We did, for a little bit! We found all sorts of good stuff there!” Captain Toad said. “After that, we headed elsewhere… and I picked here!”

Ludwig and Junior seemed completely thrown off. “…Hm.” Ludwig only hummed in response.

“…Of course you picked here…” Junior said under his breath.

“I thought Rickety Rock Ridge would have some good stuff too! So we went up and up and up… before, uh…” The Captain then paused. “We got 'thrown off course', you could say.”

“What do you mean?” Ludwig asked.

“…O-oh, it was scary. 'Ol Yeller here, he started to lag behind, and he fell asleep. Me and the others went back to try and wake him up, but then…” Captain Toad paused again. “He found us…”

“Who!? Who’s he!?” Junior asked, getting impatient.

“He was HUGE!! Had two pairs of arms, bronze armor…” Captain Toad explained. “His skin was all red, too! And—!”

“Huh?” The Yellow Toad then began, suddenly waking up. “…Oh, hey… Mario, Luigi.”

“How come no one ever says hey to us!?” Junior yelled, although the two Toads seemed to ignore it.

“…How about we stop talking about how we got here for little while?” Captain Toad asked, wanting to change the subject as a small bead of sweat went down his head. “Mario! Luigi! Wanna buy something?”

The Bros. wasted no time in buying some more items and new gear for themselves. What they bought was some of the best gear they’d seen their entire venture. As they emptied their wallets a bit, they couldn’t help but remember the red man Captain Toad mentioned… perhaps that was their next Ztar Spirit.

Captain Toad scuffled through the coins the Bros. handed him and the Yellow Toad, looking up to the Bros. with a big smile on his face as the Yellow Toad began to nod off.

“Thanks! Maybe come back some other time!” Captain Toad said. “I’ve even got some Shroom Tea to heal you up if you want! It’ll quench ya!”

The Bros. nod at that. They’d surely be back for that later if needed. They then headed forward with Junior and Ludwig following them along… they then began to wonder where the other two Brigade members were…

The lands the group walked through felt barren, the wind gently blowing forward. As they treaded farther, they noticed something tall appear amidst the faint fog.

A large spire-like structure pointed upward to the stars. The group has reached the end of the trail before them, staring upon the large bicep-shaped tower in awe.

“Wow!” Junior exclaimed. “…Hey, look! There’s a way inside the tower!” He said as he pointed forward, a large entrance embedded in the wall.

“Yes, perhaps that is where we… 'bend and break, eye the gory', as the inscription said.” Ludwig pointed out. “Mario, Luigi! Head forth!”

The Bros. only nod as they begin to walk forward. As they stand before the entrance though, the ground below them began to rumble. The group stopped in their tracks as three rocky Pokeys protruded out from the ground; the fire red rubies, ocean blue sapphires, and forest green emeralds just barely shone amidst the faint light of the sun above.

“Really!? It’s always something!” Junior complained.

Ludwig then seemed to notice an odd glint in the eyes of the Pokeys. “…It seems they’re mainly after the brothers.” He said. “We shall let them do the fighting.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Junior said. “Gives us some time to rest!”

The Koopas backed away as the Pokeys begun their first attacks on the Bros. The first of the trio, the one embedded with rubies, smacked itself down upon the ground, creating a red shock wave that propelled itself toward the Bros. They promptly jumped as the sapphire Pokey did the same.

As the emerald Pokey slammed down and created its own shock wave, Mario was just a little too late on his jump, causing only him to get hit. Luigi gasped and looked to his side, staring wide-eyed at his injured brother, who slowly rose to his feet.

…Mario could immediately tell what the attack did to him. He felt slower, like he was weakened or tired. Luigi then looked up at the Pokeys, analyzing them closely… maybe the stones in their bodies meant something. Luigi turned to Mario and nodded to his brother, signaling what he found to him. Mario quickly understood as he nodded back.

The man in red immediately took in an herb to heal himself, allowing Luigi to start his attack. None of his other attacks would do much, the P-Ballon could make him pop due to the crystal spikes, and he had a feeling that the Ice Flower wouldn’t do much against creatures at such a high altitude, where it was colder… the Boo Shroom was their best bet.

Luigi inhaled the Boo Shroom in his pocket, and let Mario do his thing as the giant Boo Luigi charges the laser blast from his mouth, sending it toward Mario, who spun with his hammer in hand in front of the emerald Pokey as Luigi’s blast fell down. Mario’s hammer perfectly struck the blast, sending it the Pokey’s way.

As Mario made his way back to his spot on the field, the now non-Boo Luigi sighed to himself… he needed something new in his arsenal.

The three Pokeys begin their attacks, with the ruby Pokey removing its head and sitting in front of the rest of its body. The body swings back like a baseball bat, as if preparing to hit its head toward the Bros. The body then strikes forward, aiming its head toward Mario, who quickly takes out his hammer and smacks the head away back to the body. The segments separate and fall to ground, promptly weakening the ruby Pokey.

The other two Pokeys preform the same attacks as before, but succeed not as the Bros. perfectly dodge. Mario begins his attack by using Super Blazer Bros. directed at the all three Pokeys. The damage from the attack seems to mostly affect the weakened ruby Pokey, whose body begins to crumble and break apart, defeating it.

Only two more Pokey’s were left… this wouldn’t take long. Luigi then used the Boo Shroom once more, dealing a good amount of damage to the remaining Pokeys.

The sapphire Pokey removed its head and aimed with it’s body, seemingly going for Luigi, who has his hammer at the ready… as the Pokey body descended though, it missed the head, making Luigi throw his hammer down too early. At that, the Pokey swung again, its head striking Luigi straight in the chest.

Luigi’s intuition was proven right as he watched the sapphire Pokey head retreat to its body. He felt weakened, like some invisible shield around him had broken. He shook off the pain of his weakened state as he rose to his feet and the emerald Pokey preformed the same attack, Luigi being able to properly hit the head back at the body and separate the segments.

Mario begun his attack once more, not holding back with his elemental abilities. Luigi did the same with the Boo Shroom. Only after Luigi’s attack did the emerald Pokey crumble. There was now only one left.

The final sapphire Pokey attacked, using its head as a projectile to strike one of the Bros., Mario struck the head with his hammer, taking apart the last of their foes.

Both Bros. then gave it their all against the sapphire Pokey, eventually defeating it and causing it to crumble. Luigi’s weakened state faded away as the battle ended, and the brothers shared their victory amongst each other.

“Good work, brothers!” Ludwig said. “With the threat of the way, we should be able to enter the tower. Go on, now!”

Junior then rose to his feet and dusted himself off. “Yeah, we’ve gotten enough time to rest up. Now, go! Don’t keep us waiting!”

The Bros. nodded as they quickly healed up and headed inside the tower, the Koopas staying close behind them as they treaded forward… for none of them knew what was ahead…

Any light from outside was suddenly dimmed as the group walked forward. Small torches alit with bright red flames showed the way ahead… along with the faint sounds of cheering.

“I get it! You’ve been waitin' a LONG time for this!” A booming voice announced from ahead amidst the cheering. “Believe me when I say it’s gonna be a fight worth watching!”

…The voice was familiar to each of the heroes, especially Junior and Ludwig.

“Hey!” Junior began. “You think that’s Roy…?”

Ludwig confidently hummed. “No voice can be as loud as his… except maybe Iggy or Morton.” He said. “It must be him.”

The cheers only got louder as the group progressed further down the long hall before them, eventually stumbling upon an entrance to the sounds source.

“Come on!” A deep, gruff voice from ahead then called out. “Get on with it already!”

“This stupid cheering is driving me nuts!” Another high-pitched, snarky voice commented.

The other two voices felt extremely familiar to the Bros. as the quartet finally entered another room, noticing it’s similarity to a Roman colosseum. The colosseum was dimly lit by old lamps and torches hung up on the ceiling, which had a large gong-like bell attached to its center. Lined around the walls of the room were rows upon rows of seats, each being sat upon by an enemy or Mountain inhabitant.

And, just in the center of the room from underneath a bright red spotlight, Roy stood. He wore a red-striped wrestling referee attire, along shoulder pads reminiscent of Bowzer’s. The ends of his red-tinted sunglasses were as sharp as the spiked bracelets on his wrists.

“A fight of the century is upon us! Blood will spill! Bones will break!” Roy declared. “The exact kinda fight I KNOW you wanna see!”

“It appears we were correct, Junior.” Ludwig said.

“Why don’t we just face him now and get it over with?” Junior then asked in a harsh whisper. “That’s what the weird poem on the wall said!”

“…I fear now is not the time.” Ludwig responded… he then smirked a tad. It seemed he actually wanted to see how this would play out.

“GET. ON. WITH IT!!” The familiar snarky voice from the other side of the ring then yelled.

“Yeah! I’m getting tired of just standing here!” The other voice ahead complained.

“At one side of the arena! Some of the most terrifying forces the Commander has to offer!” Roy yelled. “Bowzer and Ztarlow!!!”

Bright red spotlights from above shone upon the dark generals, who both basked in the light. The quartet of heroes stood shocked… it had been awhile since the Bros. had seen them last.

Junior then faltered a little at the sight of his corrupted father again… remembering his gaze from their escape from the Dark Lands. Ludwig then took notice of this, gently patting Junior’s shoulder.

“And, on the other side of the ring!” Roy declared. “The stupid punks who aimlessly throw their fists into the Darkness! Mario and Luigi, alongside their Koopa kid duo!”

Another few spotlights then brought the heroes into view, causing Ztarlow and Bowzer to tense up at the sight of them. They snarled and bore their sharp teeth at the simple glance of their faces.

“YOU!!!” Ztarlow yelled. “I’ve just been ITCHING for a fight with you punks again!”

“MARIO! GREEN STACHE!” Bowzer growled. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to trample you since you screwed up my precious time with the Princess!? WAY TOO LONG!!!”

The Bros. quickly enter a battle stance, before Junior and Ludwig step forward.

“WAIT!!” Junior yelled out. “How’d you even get here?”

“…Yes, last I remember, Lord Bowser’s Clown Car was destroyed…” Ludwig recalled.

Bowzer seemed to relax for a moment, trying to recall the matter himself, now crossing his arms and tapping his foot in thought while Ztarlow still writhed.“…Well, uhh…”

———

Bowzer and Ztarlow rushed through the Castle, hurrying to carry out the Dark Star’s inane command. They knew they couldn’t let him or the Commander down.

“Let’s take my Clown Car!” Bowzer said hastily. “It’ll get us to the Mountain faster! Come on, you slow Star!”

“Wait!” Ztarlow called out as she suddenly stopped hovering alongside the Koopa. “You moron! Didn’t your Clown Car get destroyed when you fell into Lava Lands awhile back? It’s still being fixed! And who are you calling SLOW STAR!?”

Bowzer turned back and snarled toward the Sprite. “YOU KNOW WHAT I—! …Oh, wait.” He quickly realized she was right. “…Dang.”

“Yeah, exactly.” Ztarlow said. “If anything, you’re the slow one. You’re a turtle!”

“I’ll SHOW YOU SLOW WHEN I—!” Bowzer clapped back.

“When you what!?” Ztarlow argued. “Tell me!”

“WHEN I PUNT YOU INTO THE DIRT, THAT’S WHAT!!” Bowzer retorted.

“I’D LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY!!!” Ztarlow yelled back.

Both fumed at each other for a moment… before remembering their task at hand. They both cooled down, albeit barely. The tension was still very much present.

“…Well, what are we gonna do then, smart guy?” Ztarlow asked with sass. “How are we gonna get to the Ridge?”

Bowzer was silent as he put a hand to his chin, deep in his shallow pool of thought… before a lightbulb seemed to go off in his head. He turned to Ztarlow with a grin on his face.

“…What are you looking at me for?” Ztarlow asked.

~~~

“Hngh! Ugh!!” Ztarlow groaned as she carried Bowzer with her fists of fury through the sky above the Ridge. “Why… are you so… heavy?”

“Why are you so weak?” Bowzer asked. “I’m not that burly!”

“…I doubt that…” Ztarlow said. “You’ve been eating… Kaglut’s dishes, haven’t you!? Don’t you… even know what’s… in those!?”

Bowzer scoffed. “Not that I care.” He said. “It’s good food!”

“…I think it’s better I… don’t tell you…” Ztarlow groaned again as she struggled to carry Bowzer across. She could feel her grip on him loosening.

“Hey! Quit whining!” Bowzer grumbled. “And can’t you go faster!?”

“Can’t you be… quieter!?” Ztarlow retorted. “Ughh!!”

Bowzer grumbled again under his breath. “Stupid Sprite… too small and puny to carry me around.”

…Something seemed to snap inside Ztarlow at that. “…You wanna… repeat that?”

“Oh, surprised you heard that.” Bowzer said with snark.

“Insult me… one more time.” Ztarlow threatened. “I dare you.”

Bowzer chuckled at that, accepting the challenge. “I’m kinda surprised you dragged us out so far. Didn’t think you had it in you, little pipsqueak.” He said while Ztarlow remained silent. “Even a biddybud could do better than you right now! BWAHAHAHA!!!”

…He didn’t even notice Ztarlow’s grip beginning to slack once more.

“I bet your punches couldn’t even hurt a Goomba!” Bowzer cackled at that. “No wonder Mario and Green Stache took you out so quickly! Two times over!”

Ztarlow’s grip had now slacked to where she was simply holding onto Bowzer by his claws.

“Can’t believe the Commander picked you to be a general in the first place! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” Bowzer laughed.

“Oops.” Ztarlow then said. “My hands slipped.”

“…Huh?” Bowzer asked himself as he looked up at Ztarlow, who no longer held onto his hands. “…Crud…”

Bowzer then began to plummet down to the Ridge, falling through multiple clouds and layers of fog, eventually reaching the ground with a hard thud.

“YOU BIG DIRTBAG!!!” Ztarlow shrieked as she descended, now hovering beside the barely conscious Bowzer. “YOU’LL PAY FOR THAT!!! AND I MEAN ALL OF IT!!!” She then began punching Bowzer’s arms with her fists while the Koopa tried to fend her off.

“You asked for it!!” Bowzer argued.

“YOU THINK I MEANT IT LITERALLY!?” Ztarlow yelled. “You’re as dense as a bag of rocks!!”

“AND YOU’RE AS DUMB AS ONE!!” Bowzer retorted back.

…Just above them both, a large figure hovered. The figure had bright red skin and was adorned in bronze armor…

“…Heh. They’d be fun to watch…” The figure said.

———

“…And then we were dragged here—!” Bowzer said, before Ztarlow snapped out of her rage toward the Bros. and cut him off.

“YOU OAF!!! Why would you tell them that!?” Ztarlow asked. “THEY’RE THE ENEMIES!!!”

“They—!” Bowzer then groaned, realizing his own blunder.

“Alright! Enough with the yappin'!” Roy boomed. “GET TO IT!! START FIGHTING!!!”

“Mario! Luigi!” Ludwig called. “Remain headstrong for us all!”

“Yeah! Kick some butt!” Junior said. “…But, maybe take it easy on my Dad.”

With the sound of the large gong sounding from above the colosseum floor, the fight could truly begin.

“Let’s see you remember this!” Ztarlow taunted. She then turned into a small violet reticle, shooting small Ztars the Bros. way.

…It had been a long time since they’d seen an attack like this, but the Bros. managed, despite getting a hit a few times.

“I knew it! You’ve lost your luster! HAH!!” Ztarlow quipped.

Bowzer then grumbled a bit, as if he wanted to try and usurp his battle partner… especially after what she did on their way to the Ridge.

“Yeah, like that did much of anything, puny gum ball!” Bowzer quipped back at Ztarlow. “They’re about to understand the TRUE power behind the Ztar Rod! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!”

Bowzer then reels back as he tries to inhale the Bros. into his maw, all while charging up a magic blast with the Ztar Rod. Both Bros. begin to flee as the force of the pull slowly pulls them back. They escape just in time as Bowzer propels the blast forward, only for it to miss.

“WHAT!? How!?” Bowzer yelled as the Bros. returned to their spots on the ring.

“Oh, good work, you meathead!” Ztarlow insulted. “At least my attack did something!”

“SHUT UP!! It could’ve worked!” Bowzer retorted.

“Really, now? Could it?” Ztarlow argued.

“HEY!” Roy then shouted as he got between the two generals. “Stop fighting with each other, and FIGHT THE GUYS IN FRONT OF YOU!!”

“…Yes, sir.” Bowzer said quietly.

“Fine.” Ztarlow begrudgingly obliged. “Not that we can do anything now.”

She was right, for it was the Bros. time to attack. Mario instantly used his elemental attack on the generals, which seemed to do a good number on them… the Star Power within must’ve begun to weaken them.

Luigi then pulled out the Boo Shroom, the blast from his own maw doing also doing good damage. It was possible that this fight wouldn’t take long.

Ztarlow snarled at the Bros. as she and Bowzer recovered from their attacks. “You will NOT beat me! Not again!” She said. “LET IT BLOW!!!”

A strong gust of wind then began to move the Bros. forward. They tried to tread against the wind, barely moving ahead. As the wind subsided, Mario felt fine… but Luigi could tell he had been poisoned.

The Ztar Sprite glared at Mario, noticing her attack had no affect on him. “Bowzer! Do something! Make sure it’s actually useful!”

Bowzer grumbled at that, but chose not to respond. “Prepare to get burned, chumps!”

The Koopa then raised the Ztar Rod again, allowing it to charge up a magical blast as Bowzer began shooting fireballs the Bros. way. Eventually, the Rod glowed a bright red, which Mario took notice of just in time as the blast of magic headed straight for him. With only a single smack of his hammer did the blast disappear.

“What!? Come on!!” Bowzer yelled.

“What’s wrong with you!?” Ztarlow screamed. “You’ve had that Rod this entire time, and you can’t even use it right! Have you been practicing any of your spells at all?”

Bowzer stammered at that. “Yeah! …Sometimes!” He said.

Mario took his chance to hand Luigi an herb, rejuvenating his brother. Luigi then initiated his own Boo Shroom on the general pair, slowly but surely bringing them down.

“This fight’s looking real good, folks!” Roy declared. “I think our generals are gonna need something stronger if they wanna take down Red and Greenie!”

“What!? You’re saying I’m WEAK!?” Ztarlow yelled Roy’s way. “I’ll show you weak when I pile-drive you into the dirt!!”

“My magic is league’s above anything else!” Bowzer quipped. “Who’re you calling weak?”

Roy then seemed aggravated at the two generals. “That ain’t what I—! Oh, just get back to fighting! The audience didn’t come here to see you yap!”

…The generals cooled it a bit at that, eventually putting their attention back on the Bros. “You’re really gonna make me pull out my big guns early, aren’t you?” Ztarlow began. “I bet you aren’t ready for THIS!!”

Ztarlow then rose into the air, summoning her fury fists and bringing her left one upward. She then threw her fist down toward Luigi, who brought his hammer out in preparation to strike… only for Ztarlow to swipe her fist upward, making Luigi bring his hammer down too early.

Luigi stared upward in confusion, noticing Ztarlow’s sly smirk. “Oops. How clumsy of me!” She said sarcastically, before bringing the same fist down again. Luigi wasn’t able to react as Ztarlow’s fingers wrapped around his body. Luigi could hear the sound of his body getting crunched from the Sprite’s strong grip.

“How does that feel!? Huh!?” Ztarlow taunted. “TAKE THIS!!!”

She then threw her hand up and chucked Luigi toward Mario, causing them both to strongly hit the ground. Both Bros. recoiled as they slowly rose to their feet, hearing the crowd react to their blunder.

“Ooooh! You see it here, folks!” Roy said. “It seems the pesky plumbers are startin' to meet their match! Hah!”

“Come on, Mario! Come on, Luigi!” Junior cheered from behind the Bros.

“You can’t give up now!” Ludwig cheered.

“…You must win this battle! Remain headstrong, just as you always have!” Cosmo then suddenly said… the Bros. were almost startled by him. It had been a bit since he’d last spoken…

“Enough with the chatter!” Bowzer said. “Let’s try this again!”

Bowzer then tried to vacuum the Bros. up again, leaving them to flee from the force with as much strength as they could muster. The magic blast from the Ztar Rod charged up, and Bowzer struck forth toward the Bros., only for his attack to miss again… he had no words for his screw up.

“At least do something new with your attacks!” Ztarlow quipped. Bowzer didn’t have a reply to that, as he went entirely silent, save for a bit of angry grumbling.

The Bros. took it upon themselves to attack with everything they had, using the same attacks they had before… if they kept this up, the generals would be down in no time.

“…I do not have the power to free them now.” Cosmo then said, sounding somewhat blunt. “I’m sorry.”

…He sounded so tired. It was so unlike Cosmo…

Ztarlow gritted her teeth at the Bros., seeing how they were usurping her and Bowzer. She then swiveled the entirety of her body toward the dark mage. “Bowzer! Use your magic to power me up!”

“Huh?” Bowzer responded. “Why would I do that, after how’ve been treating me this whole time!?”

“Don’t give me that! You’ve done the exact same!” Ztarlow quipped back. “You wanna win, right? You don’t wanna go back to the Dark Star and the Commander empty handed, right? THEN BOOST ME!!!”

…Bowzer thought over his options quickly. Ztarlow was right, neither of them could afford to go back to them without the Bros. in tow. “…Fine.” He said. “But for only a bit!”

“That should be enough time! NOW GET ON WITH IT!!!” Ztarlow commanded.

With no hesitation, Bowzer waved the Ztar Rod above Ztarlow, seeing its magic trickle down onto her. She quickly began to feel the magic of the Rod boosting her power.

“Yeah! That’s it!” Ztarlow said with a smirk. “These brothers are going DOWN!!!”

Once again, Ztarlow became a reticle, shooting small Ztars at the Bros. Only this time had the speed of the shooting increased. And whenever one of the Bros. were to be hit, the attack would hit like a truck.

“HAHAHAHA!!! How does that feel!?” Ztarlow mocked. “Now you know what it feels like to get beat into the ground!”

The Bros. took their chances to heal up a bit… they had gotten close to losing, which they couldn’t afford. They had to be extra careful next time Ztarlow attacked.

The generals seemed confident in themselves now, looking to the Bros. with vile grins on their faces.

“We’ve got you in our sights now!” Bowzer quipped. “Prepare to face your doom!”

“Can you handle what we’re made of!?” Ztarlow questioned. “Hah!”

Bowzer then entered his shell and sat himself in front of Ztarlow, who used her fists to smack Bowzer toward the Bros. Both brothers deflected with their hammers for as long as they could, before the Koopa shell was headed straight for them both. They both struck the shell with their hammers, sending Bowzer right back to Ztarlow.

Both generals returned to the field, slightly dizzy, before quickly shaking it off.

“You’ll pay for that!” Ztarlow yelled as she rose into the air again and threw one of fists down toward Mario, who only deflected with his hammer.

“I power you up, and this what you do!?” Bowzer asked.

“Don’t act like you didn’t mess up either!” Ztarlow said back with rage.

The Bros. then attacked them both as normal… they were starting to get a bit tired, which especially became apparent as Bowzer’s spell on Ztarlow wore off.

“…No! Not now!!” Ztarlow cried.

“And you said it’d be enough!” Bowzer said.

Ztarlow had no way to retort as she manically grumbled amidst her rage. “…Forget it! Just boost me again!!”

“Really?” Bowzer asked, uncertain of such a decision.

“DID I STUTTER!?” Ztarlow asked. “BOOST ME!!!”

“Alright! Cool it!” Bowzer said as he waved the Ztar Rod over her again.

The spell had a different effect on Ztarlow, as she seemed to grow in size, being noticeably larger than Bowzer and the Bros.

“Now THIS is more like it!!” Ztarlow said with a slight cackle. “C’mere, you punks!”

The Bros. only fled as Ztarlow began chasing them around the field, using her enlarged fists to punch the Bros. from their respective sides, only for them to jump over them.

“Oooohh!! COME ON!!!” Ztarlow yelled in anger.

Ztarlow then attempted to drive both of her fists into the ground, getting them stuck as the Bros. jumped above them and ground pounded down upon both hands, causing the Sprite to recoil as the magic affect wore off and brought her to normal size.

“NOOOO!! I could’ve gotten them!!!” Ztarlow shrieked. Bowzer had no response.

The Bros. then attacked the generals once again, noticing how their tiredness was starting to affect them.

“Hey! I’ve got an idea!” Bowzer said as he summoned a piece of glass in the center of the field. “Use that laser thing you got to shoot Mario! That’ll get him down!”

Ztarlow seemed noticeably hesitant, wanting to use Bowzer’s magic again… before reluctantly accepting. “…I guess.”

Ztarlow then began to charge a beam of dark energy, aiming it toward Mario… he’d have to be quick to deflect the attack, or he’d be a goner.

…An idea then crossed the red man’s mind as he waited for Ztarlow to shoot her laser, forming a fireball in his hand… and just before she fired, he threw the fireball toward Bowzer’s way.

“Hey!! What the—!? No fair!!” Bowzer cried.

The Ztar Rod then glowed, casting a spell on the glass pane, turning it into a mirror, which caused Ztarlow’s laser to go right to him instead of Mario. Bowzer fell to the ground and recoiled as he slowly recovered.

“Really!? REALLY!?” Ztarlow exclaimed. “I’m never going with your ideas again! Let me handle this!”

Ztarlow attempted to use her grab attack on Luigi again, hoping to mess him up again by tricking him… but he saw right through it, being able to properly hit her even after her fake out.

The brothers then went off again with their fire and Boo lasers. They seemed to be getting close to the end of their fight.

“…Dang… they’re beating us up good.” Bowzer said as he slowly got up and rubbed his head.

“They won’t once I beat them up again!” Ztarlow said. “Power me up!”

…Bowzer didn’t feel like arguing back as he used his magic on Ztarlow once again. But instead of her becoming larger… she had shrunken down to the size of a fly.

“HUH!? What is this!?” Ztarlow yelled, despite how squeaky her voice had now become.

“I-I don’t know!! I don’t get it either—!” Bowzer tried to argue back, before Ztarlow got up into his face.

“YOU BETTER HAVE AN ANSWER!!!” Ztarlow demanded.

“I don’t—!” Bowzer tried again to excuse himself, but Ztarlow wasn’t having it.

“GRRAAAAAAAAGGHHH!!!” Ztarlow shrieked, before pouncing upon Bowzer like a tiny angry cat… it seemed the fight had concluded here.

The Bros. quietly celebrated amongst themselves, watching the chaos in front of them unfold.

“I see everything now! You’re NEVER been practicing YOUR OWN SPELLS!!!” Ztarlow chastised as she hit and punched Bowzer to no end. Despite how small her punches were, they still hit very hard.

“Yeah, I have— OW!! Quit it!” Bowzer yelped as he tried to swat Ztarlow away with the Ztar Rod.

The Koopa children then approached the Bros., who still watched the chaos before them as the cheering in the colosseum only got louder.

“…Perhaps we should go.” Ludwig said. “Before the fighting somehow gets us involved.”

“Yeah.” Junior agreed. “Don’t know how I feel about watching my Dad act like this anymore.”

The Bros. only silently nodded as they and the Koopa children tried to move back and rush out… before Roy stepped forward in attempt to get the battle back on track.

“Hey! HEY!!” Roy called out. “What’d I tell you punks!? Fight what’s in front of you!!!”

The calling didn’t seem to work as the bout between the two generals continued… after a few more swings, Ztarlow eventually collided with the Ztar Rod, causing her to suddenly revert back to her usual size. She stared back at Bowzer with fire in her eyes as he tried to back away.

“…We can talk about this, right?” Bowzer tried to defend himself. “No hard feelings, nothing! Just talk!”

“I’ll show you talk!” Ztarlow said.

With one of her own fury fists and the last bit of energy she could muster, she aimed down for Bowzer’s… 'Center of Darkness', hitting him square in the spot where it’d hurt the most. Bowzer shrieked as he clutched where Ztarlow had hit him, falling to the ground.

“…How’s that, huh? That’ll show you to… cost us a fight!” Ztarlow said weakly as she plopped down to the ground, winded.

“…S-shut up already…” Bowzer said with strain.

“Oh… he’s gonna need an Ice Flower for that…” Ludwig then said.

“Nah, maybe a Penguin Suit.” Junior suggested.

Roy then groaned as the colosseum quieted. He then looked to the Bros., unenthusiastically raising a hand. “…First win goes to, Mario and Luigi.” He said bluntly.

Rather than being met with cheers, the audience boo’d them. Some even through spike balls and weapons of their own at them, causing them and the Koopas to hurry their way out of the colosseum.

“Don’t think you’ve won just yet though!” Roy called out to the heroes as they ran through the entrance hall. “More’s waiting for ya!!”

The quartet then dashed past the entrance to the colosseum, now running back to the anchor gate… all while Roy’s words echoed in their heads.

~~~

Mario was just ahead while Luigi was slightly behind him. Junior and Ludwig could barely keep with them, for their smaller legs were holding them back a bit.

“Hey, Mario! Hey, Luigi!” Captain Toad called to them with a wave from his spot within he and the sleeping Yellow Toad’s shop stand. “You wanna maybe buy some—!”

The Toad Captain was met with no response as the quarter rushed past the shop. He frowned and slowly brought his hand down. “…Oh. Okay then.”

Just past the shop was where the group had taken a rest not too long prior to the fight in the colosseum. They all stared at the anchor gate blocking their way forward, noticing that the anchor on the left had disappeared, leaving only broken metal chunks where it once stood.

“…Hm. As I suspected.” Ludwig said. “Those colosseum fights are the key to unlocking the gate.”

“I get it… but where’s the other colosseum?” Junior asked.

“Likely on the second side of the mountain, on the other path we haven’t taken.” Ludwig said, eyeing the path on the right side of where they stood. He then turned to face the Bros. “Mario, Luigi, how about we take a rest before heading forward?”

Both Bros. nodded at that… they could use a small break. They and the Koopa kids sat down, the Bros. sharing items amongst each other while the children spoke to one another just a few inches away.

The Bros. then began to recollect what happened during their fight. Fighting Bowser was something they were used to by now. Despite his new form, it didn’t feel odd at all… but now that they thought about it again, the thought of fighting Starlow set them on edge.

They can’t back down, especially not now, now that they’re so close… but a certain feeling inside them was nagging at them. A slight hesitation, wavering yet returning for the first time in what felt like months.

“…I hate to see her like that.” Cosmo suddenly said. “I wonder if she remembers me still. It feels as if it’s been ages since I’ve been able to properly meet with her… I had been so busy…”

…Remembers him…?

Amidst the Bros. quiet thought, Junior and Ludwig conversed amongst each other, Junior fiddling with his thumbs while he and Ludwig spoke.

“…I can tell you aren’t feeling well. It’s about Lord Bowser, yes?” Ludwig asked.

Junior grumbled to himself as he averted eye contact from Ludwig. “I hate seeing him like that! Dad’s scary, and that’s a good thing! …But not when it’s like this, y’know? That’s not my papa…”

Ludwig hummed. “I understand. He’s like a father to me as well… although, we aren’t related by blood.” He said.

“…You’re like a brother to me. All of you Koopalings are like family to me.” Junior said suddenly. “…This whole situation sucks! I hate it!” He then smacked his fists into the bright red dirt.

Ludwig then silently smiled, taking notice of Junior’s compassion. “…We’ve come extremely far, especially with the brothers’ help.” He then said. “While it may hurt, we can’t back down now.”

“…Yeah!” Junior said with a smile. He then got to his feet and pointed upward to the sky. “You hear that, Nox!? We’re gonna straighten you out and drag you through the dirt!!!”

Just after Junior finished speaking, deep red Bullet Bills charged the quartet’s way, barely missing the four of them by mere inches.

“An ambush!” Ludwig said as he got to his feet. “Mario! Luigi! It seems we’ve rested enough, we must flee!”

The Bros. wasted no time in getting to their feet and hurrying away while more Bullet Bills followed them down the right path of the Ridge. After a bit of running, the Bullets eventually stopped, allowing the quartet to slow down. Mario and Luigi both sighed in relief, as did the Koopas.

“…Where do you think… that came from?” Junior asked Ludwig.

“…Not entirely sure.” Ludwig said. “Lord Bowser did recently install Bullet Bill canons up higher on this Mountain, but their movement seemed to be from a singular canon rather than multiple...”

Amidst Ludwig’s thought, he was suddenly interrupted by a loud, raspy voice not too far ahead.

“Yo! Mario! Luigi!” The voice called. “You wanna buy something?”

The Bros. and Koopa children looked over to spot the Green and Blue Toads of the Toad Brigade, standing before a shop of their own. The Green Toad ecstatically waved to the quartet as they approached, while the Blue Toad seemed bored out of his mind.

“We’ve got items for days! Looking to buy some?” The Green Toad asked.

“You don’t have to do all of that.” The Blue Toad said bluntly.

“Yeah I do!” The Green Toad retorted. “My tactics worked, didn’t they?”

“I— ugh…” The Blue Toad groaned, for he had no argument, as he was technically right.

“Anyway! What’cha looking for?” The Green Toad asked again.

The group took a good look at the catalog of items they had… the Bros. taking notice of a Golden Mushroom sitting in the back of their stock.

“Woah!” Junior said. “You found that Golden Mushroom in the Dunes?”

“Dang straight!” The Green Toad said. “We’ve had it here in case someone was looking to buy it! It’s got great replenishing qualities, way more than a normal Mushroom!”

The Bros. immediately caught on at that, willing to buy the Golden Shroom. They look to the Green Toad, wanting to know how much it costs.

“Uh… 5,000 Coins! Cough ‘em up!” The Green Toad said. The Blue Toad appeared like he wanted to argue with him for a moment, before stopping himself… it seemed like he wouldn’t get anywhere by arguing with him.

The Bros. were a tad shocked at that price, as it would burn a small hole in their wallets… but they couldn’t let down such an item, and were willing to bite the bullet. They looked to the Koopa kids, and reluctantly decided they’d all split the price amongst each other. Mario then took the Mushroom and stuffed it in his pocket.

“All good, yeah? Come back if you need anything!” The Green Toad said.

The Bros. nodded as they and the Koopa children headed away from the shop onward to the next colosseum.

“Perhaps you should really hold onto that Mushroom, Mario.” Ludwig said. “With its qualities, it’s best to hold onto it for when you truly need it.” Mario then firmly nodded at that. He wouldn’t let an item like that go to waste. “Also, you owe me. With interest.” Ludwig mentioned. Mario only rolled his eyes at that, then responding with another firm nod.

The quartet walked ahead amidst the fog, beginning to notice a structure similar to the colosseum on the left side of the Ridge. A bicep tower, reaching up into the darkness-ridden heavens.

“Go on already!” Junior then demanded. “We’ve used up enough time!”

As the Bros. treaded forward, the booming sound of thunder from above stopped them in their tracks. Before the entrance to the colosseum appeared two LakiThunders from amidst the blinding light. The tainted enemies had sharper, deep red shades. And the clouds they sat within were angrier and darker, much like storm clouds. Junior then grumbled at the disturbance as the Bros. next fight began.

The left Lakithunder leaned back, aiming its cloud at the Bros. Its enraged cloud crackled and boomed, until it launched an attack straight for Mario, who immediately jumped over the attack with precision.

The other LakiThunder then removed its shades and threw them toward the Bros., causing it to soar through the air like a boomerang. The Bros. times themselves accordingly, perfectly dodging the attack.

…Luigi would use his Boo Shroom, as he had before… but Mario realized here his Super Blazer Bros. wouldn’t work, as these enemies were airborne. Perhaps the Bubble Flower would work as a good substitute.

As both Bros. inhaled their own Bubble Flowers, they summoned a load of bubbles to trap their enemies in, which both end up in their own respective bubbles. The Bros. ascend to the air and slowly go back down, stomping upon the bubbles below them, until finally reaching their main targets, both of them stomping upon their target’s bubbles. The attack actually seemed to do a good bit of damage as well… enemies based around lightning and a water-based attack don’t go well.

After Luigi initiated his Boo Shroom attack, and the Bros. made it back to their spots on the field, the LakiThunders began their next attacks.

The right LakiThunder threw his hands upward, charging up blasts of thunder within his palms. Once charged up enough, the enemy shot the blasts to the Bros., only for them both to jump over the attack.

The left LakiThunder only did the same charged up cloud attack the right one had done before, this time aimed at Luigi, who jumped right over the attack… it seemed these enemies would be easier to defeat than the Crystal Pokeys.

The Bros. went on with their next round, doing noticeable damage to the enemies with their bubbles and Boo beam.

The two LakiThunders then threw their shade boomerangs toward the Bros, one going before the other. Luigi dodged first one fine, but Mario had tripped by the boomerang directed at him, being just a tad late on his jump. Luigi’s eyes widened over Mario’s sudden fall.

Luigi rushed to Mario’s aid, throwing an herb his direction for his brother to take, resulting in Luigi losing his chance to attack as Mario got to his feet and the LakiThunder’s began their round.

The LakiThunder duo both tried the boomerang move again, expecting one brother to fumble again… or both of them to fail. Mario focused hard, as did Luigi, just as the boomerangs approached them both. Once the weapons were just in front of them, they both jumped with perfect timing.

Both Bros. were able to attack now, going forth with their trusty Bros. Attacks. And as if the glory of luck was shining down upon them, both LakiThunder’s were taken down, disappearing into vapor and they fled, allowing the Bros. to once again relish in their victory.

“Fantastic job, brothers!” Ludwig said. “Now we can—!”

“Move on! Yeah, yeah, we get it!” Junior said, sounding irritated. “Come on, Mario and Luigi!”

Both Bros. nodded as they headed forward to the entrance of the second colosseum, once again hearing the distant cheers of the crowd, along with Roy’s booming voice.

“Just because those punks won once, doesn’t mean they’ll win again!” Roy said. “…We’ve got something special prepared for them.”

…Roy’s tone was about as chilling as the icy winds of Ice-Shine Island. What could he have meant?

“…Hm. I wonder how this next will go.” Ludwig pondered to himself.

“I’m gonna hope I don’t have to see papa like that again.” Junior said, intending it to be kept to himself.

The quartet entered the colosseum, which looked about identical to the first. Roy stood in center under a spotlight, looking to the unknowing crowd as they anticipated this fight’s warriors.

“SHALL THIS WAIT BE ANY LONGER!?” An echoing, deep voice complained from ahead. “MY SISTER AND I GROW IMPATIENT…”

…The Bros. paused at those words. The voice from beyond felt… familiar. Too familiar. The very sound sent shivers up their spines…

“…What was that…?” Junior asked.

“…I am… completely uncertain…” Ludwig responded.

“Ah, you won’t have to wait long!” Roy finally responded to the unknown voice as he then directed himself to the audience. “You knuckleheads are in for a real treat! In the first corner, we’ve got… Mario and Luigi!”

Another spotlight rained down upon the Bros. and Koopas, making them visible to the now booing crowd.

“We’ll show you to boo us again!” Junior threatened.

“Junior, hush!” Ludwig chastised.

“…And in the second corner… Princesses from another world, the twin Shroob Princesses!” Roy announced.

…Mario and Luigi felt their minds completely break… did they hear him correctly?

The other spotlight revealed one of the Bros.’ worst nightmares. The two Shroob Princesses, both the youngest and the elder, stood before them. No longer were they dead, nor being held in Bowser’s freezer. They were here, possibly dragged to the Ridge by the same figure who brought the Toad Brigade and the Dark Order duo here… just staring at the sisters made the Bros. feel lightheaded.

The alien Princesses were some of the worst threats they had ever encountered, even if the tragedy they saw them commit didn’t happen in their own timeline. Luigi shivered and quaked in his boots just thinking about it.

Mario was having the same thoughts… along with the memories of being the sacrifice for the Shroob cult within the Gloomcano. Almost dying, burning alive…

“…I… I can still remember what it felt like…” Cosmo said in horror. “…The burning… the terror…”

“Mario? Luigi?” Ludwig questioned. “Are you both alright?”

“Yeah! What’s gotten into you!?” Junior asked.

“Awww. Look at the little punk babies being wimps!” Roy mocked.

While the younger Shroob Princess snarled in incomprehensible gibberish the Bros. didn’t know a lick of, the eldest of the two stared at the Bros. with malice and rage.

“I YEARN FOR VIOLENCE… AGAINST THOSE WHO GO AGAINST THE WILL OF HIS DARKNESS.” Elder Princess Shroob said. “YOU WILL BE SMITED!! DESTROY!!!”

“Ooooohh! Would ya look at that!” Roy said. “We’ve got ourselves a battle that’s brewin’… but I got one more surprise for you chumps!”

With a snap of Roy’s fingers, a panel on the ground next to him suddenly opened, allowing another panel to slide up, revealing Bowzer and Ztarlow, who were both bandaged and laying on the ground.

“…Ughhh… what do you want?” Ztarlow asked Roy as she glared his way.

“Yeah… can’t you see we’re busy?” Bowzer said.

“Hey, big guy,” Roy began. “I’m gonna need that Ztar Rod of yours.”

“…Huh?” Bowzer questioned.

The dark mage had no time to retort or react as the Ztar Rod was suddenly snatched from his weak grasp. Roy then turned to the Shroob Princess as he raised the Rod into the air.

“Alright, magic stick! Do your stuff!” Roy declared as he waved it around, shooting a beam of dark magic the Princess’ way.

“…Hey… WHAT!?” Bowzer yelled as he slowly turned to Roy. “WHAT’RE YOU DOING WITH THAT!?”

“Whatever I need to make this more interesting!” Roy said. “The audience wants something big… so I’m giving ‘em big!”

Roy then lowered the Ztar Rod, allowing himself and everyone else to watch as their forms merged into one, morphing and becoming larger by the second.

The Bros. stood frozen in their spots for only a moment, Luigi shaking in silence where he stood, before Mario threw himself back into a fairly clear mindset. He then ran forward, charging a large fireball within his hands and jumping upward, preparing to utilize his Blazing Finisher against the Princesses… he couldn’t stand to look at them, especially not like this, whatever they were becoming.

Before Mario could come back down though, a Bullet Bill struck him right in the chest. The fireball in his hands faded away as he fell back down to the ground with a hard thud. Luigi and the Koopa children rushed to him as he struggled to get up.

“Mario! Are you alright?” Ludwig questioned.

Luigi then helped Mario to his feet, while the Koopas stood at his side. The quartet then looked up to the Shroob monster before them… they were uncertain of how to proceed.

They all then look to Roy, who held a smoking Bullet Bill canon upon his shoulder. “Nuh-uh! No one’s stoppin' this live show!”

As Roy silenced, the dark magic around the monstrous beast faded away, revealing what the alien Princesses had become. Multiple arms and tentacles, along with multiple red eyes on the spots of its shroom head. Despite its larger form, it still bore a slightly torn hot pink gown. It then let out a booming roar, shaking the entire Ridge from the inside and out.

“I call it, Shroobzilla!” Roy declared.

“ARE YOU INSANE!?” Bowzer yelled.

“No! I just like to see crazy stuff happen to stupid knuckleheads!” Roy said as he chucked the Ztar Rod back to Bowzer. “And guess what, you and the little gumball get front row seats!” Bowzer’s mouth was agape at that while Ztarlow still writhed on the floor, being in slight shock.

“…Hey!” Junior called out to the others, who still stood in uncertainty. “How are Mario and Luigi gonna fight THAT!?”

“Junior, perhaps we must bring back an old tactic… do you still have any robot blueprints on you?” Ludwig asked.

“…Yeah, why— oh!” Junior said. He then began digging through his bib, eventually stumbling upon a mech blueprint that had drills for hands. “Mario! Luigi! Look!”

The Bros. shook themselves out of shock and turned to face Junior, looking at his blueprints and realizing what they must do. Fight giant with giant. The Bros. nodded to the Koopas, agreeing with their plan.

“We shall waste no time! You must win this battle!” Ludwig said as he summoned more Star Magic to his wand and waved it around, encasing the Bros. and mech blueprint in a golden aura as they ascended to the air.

Two clown cars were summoned under the Bros. as the mech itself was built around them. This second mech was more refined than the first, having a slimmer yet stronger building. Red and green streaks of paint coated the indigo shell of the mech. And at the hands were large platinum drills.

“Get ‘em, Bros.!” Junior called from the ground below.

“Make sure they know the fury that is the Bro Engine: Mach Two!!” Ludwig rallied on.

“FOOLISH LIGHT BRINGERS…” Shroobzilla said. “YOU WILL PERISH!!!”

“Ah, now this is more like it!” Roy said. “LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!” Roy yelled into the air as the gong on the colosseum’s roof sounded off, allowing the fight to begin.

Shroobzilla immediately began by forming a shield around itself… the Bros. felt a strong familiarity with such a move.

“WE KNOW NOT OF DEFEAT.” Shroobzilla mocked… what were the Bros. to do?

“Mario! Luigi!” Junior called from below. “You’ve got drills for hands! Use ‘em!”

The Bro Engine looked down at its drill hands, then to the shield. They quickly had an idea of what they could do to take the shield down.

Mario lifted the arm on his side up, and attempted to pierce the shield. Luigi did the exact same action immediately after his brother. They both began piercing the shield consecutively, getting faster and faster as they acted, eventually using both of their drill hands to stab through the shield… but it appeared they had only cracked it.

“WE LAUGH AT YOU, PATHETIC THINGS!!” Shroobzilla once again mocked. “DESTROY!!!”

From its multiple arms, the alien creature summoned large violet Stars to its hands, chucking them at the Bros. in quick succession. The Bros. were quick to dodge, using their drill hands to break them apart as they approached. This didn’t go on for long, for the Shroobzilla seemed to tire itself out.

“Aw, come on!” Roy complained. “It ain’t fun when you punks are winning!”

The Bros. ignored the insult as they took it upon themselves to pierce the shield again, constantly attempting to break it with the drill hands. Once the multi-hit finisher to the attack finished, the shield shattered apart and dissipated into the air. The crowd only gasped in disbelief, while Roy seemed to appearing distraught, as if he was losing some big bet.

“…NO!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?” The alien creature yelled. “YOU SHALL PAY FOR SUCH A TRANSGRESSION!”

Shroobzilla then aimed its tentacles toward different parts of the Bro Engine, aiming to hit it where it was most vulnerable. The Bros. took action by piercing the tentacles whenever they approached, reacting quickly to each move and being sure not to miss.

“Yeah!! Go, Mario! Go, Luigi!” Junior cheered. “Beat ‘em up!”

“…Why couldn’t we have gotten the growing treatment?” Ztarlow suddenly asked. “We would’ve won!”

“…Yeah! She’s got a point!” Bowzer oddly agreed.

“NO ONE ASKED YOU!!!” Roy yelled to the generals. He then looked up to Shroobzilla. “Hey! Quit slackin’ and WIN THIS THING!!”

“AS SAID, WE KNOW NOT OF DEFEAT.” Shroobzilla said. “THEY SHALL TASTE OUR WRATH!! DESTROY!!!”

The Bros. then began to think of their next move, for they couldn’t just use the same attack over and over… Luigi, from within the Engine, had an idea.

Luigi then turned to the small microphone within his side of the mech, speaking to Mario on the other end… Mario seemed to like what Luigi had in mind as he hummed in agreement with his brother.

The Engine then leaped into the air, and flew back down with its drill hands piercing the ground. The Bro Engine travels through the ground, eventually popping back up and attacking the Shroobzilla from below, dealing a good lot of damage. Roy grumbled to himself as he watched the Bros.’ mech silently relish in its victory.

“'They shall taste our wrath!'… yeah, when Lava Bubbles start swimmin' in water!” Roy said to himself. “This is so bogus!”

The Shroobzilla grumbled to itself as it began its next attack, a gurgling sound that would make any stomach churn. “YOU DEFY US… YOU SICKEN US!! DESTROY!! DESTROY!!!”

Just as the monster silenced, it spread its tentacles outward and began to spin them around. Some were spinning near the Engine’s knees, while others spun toward its head.

The Engine continuously ducked and jumped, eventually thinking the attack had ended… before getting tripped up by one of the lower tentacles, causing the mech to fall down to its side with a hard thud as the colosseum audience roared.

“Ooh! Man, come on! Get up!” Junior called while Ludwig only shook his head with his eyes shut.

“HAHAHAHA!!! Look at them fail!” Ztarlow mocked.

“Yeah! That’s what I like to see!” Roy said. “Keep at it!”

The Bro Engine slowly found its footing again, stumbling a slight bit as it regained its balance. It wasted no time with attacking, as it once again used its digging move upon the horrid creature.

Shroobzilla’s confidence seemed to be booming, despite its slightly weakened state. It did the same as it had before, sliding its tentacles above and below the Engine. This time, the Bros. were certain not to slip up, now being able to perfectly dodge the attack.

“Huh!? What!?” Roy yelled.

“You underestimate them, Roy!” Ludwig called from where he and Junior stood. “They learn fast!”

Roy only stared at Ludwig with death daggers as the Bros. started their round… perhaps they could switch things up a bit. Mario spoke to Luigi through the mic on his side, giving his brother a new attack idea, something Luigi simply couldn’t turn down.

The Bros. then began to spin in place, quickly speeding up as if they were charging up their move. Once fully charged, the Engine was practically alit with power. The Engine then charged for Shroobzilla, smacking it with its drill hands, until the spinning began to slow and stop. The Engine moved back to its spot on the battleground, taking notice of how weak the creature looked.

“YOU… FOUL LIGHT BRINGERS… SHALL NOT TEST US!!” Shroobzilla said.

Shroobzilla then raised its clawed hands forming a large energy ball within their palms. The monster then chucked it at the Engine like a tennis ball, causing the Engine to deflect the attack by guarding. This motion continued, until the Bro Engine spun around to bring the energy ball back to them, making them recoil as the ball dissipated.

“COME ON!!! You’re so close!” Roy said, visibly agitated.

“Avenge us, Shroobzilla!” Bowzer called from where he sat.

“For the Commander! For the Dark Star!” Ztarlow called.

“Mario! Luigi!” Junior called out to the Bros. “Don’t back down!”

“Precisely! Keep your minds clear and sharp!” Ludwig also called.

“…Mario! Luigi!” Cosmo called from the aether. “You must win this… please…”

The Bros. used their spin move once again, dealing a very noticeable amount of damage to the monster. Shroobzilla huffed, it’s breath a vibrant violet smoke. “FOOLISH, BOTH OF YOU!!” It said. “ONLY NOW SHALL WE DISPLAY TO YOU… THE PERILS OF THE DARKNESS’ FURY!! DESTROY!! DESTROY!!! DESTROY!!!”

Shroobzilla then raised its claws arms up again, summoning another energy ball… although this one was way bigger, able to wipe the Bros. out if they don’t dodge in time.

Once the energy ball was fully charged, the monster threw it the Bros. way, so fast that the Bros. almost didn’t catch it. The Engine held onto the ball with firm control, keeping it as far away from them as possible. Tension rung all through the colosseum as the Bro Engine held onto it… before finally chucking it back Shroobzilla’s way.

The energy ball immediately collided with the alien monster, causing a bright white light to fill the colosseum.

…It wasn’t long before the light had faded, and the Bro Engine had been disintegrated. The Bros. had fallen to the ground, their faces planted in the dirt and debris. Everyone in the colosseum then slowly awoke, quickly taking notice of Shroobzilla’s absence.

“WHAT!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?” Roy questioned. “They could’ve won! They could’ve gotten it, but NO! Those punks just had to lose!”

“But HOW!?” Ztarlow questioned.

“Yeah… they should’ve—!” Bowzer began.

“For Ztars’ sake, SHUT IT!!!” Roy said.

As the Bros. got each other to their feet, they headed to the Koopas to help them up.

“Ughhh… did you win?” Junior asked, only for Mario to nod in response.

“Splendid work, both of you.” Ludwig said. “Another victory is in our hands!” Both Bros. firmly agreed at that, all while the audience boo’d them.

“HEY!!! What’re you punks celebratin' for!? You RUINED my show!!” Roy said. “The big guy’s gonna have my head for this!!”

“Whoever that ‘big guy' is can suck a Yoshi egg!” Junior said. “I bet he wouldn’t stand a chance against Mario and Luigi!”

“…Heh. You ain’t seeing him yet, little man.” Roy said. “Just you wait!! I’ve got more for ya!” He then pulled out his Bullet Bill canon, relentlessly shooting at the quartet, making them flee.

As the heroes exited the colosseum, they stopped by the Blue and Green Toad’s shop, taking that Shroom Tea Captain Toad spoke of, along with buying a few spare items before heading back to the anchor gate.

They had a strong feeling they knew what was next.

~~~

The quartet of heroes stopped just before the anchor gate, noticing the second anchor had also been broken apart, its chunks and pieces strewn about the ground.

“All we must do now is head forward.” Ludwig said. “And considering what Roy had declared as we fled… we mustn’t back down.”

The Bros. only nodded back to Ludwig. They’d come this far, and did as the odd inscription said, but it appeared there was one more challenge for them waiting ahead.

Mario walked ahead with Luigi trailing close behind. Junior and Ludwig kept up with Mario’s pace, certain of what was upcoming.

The hallway they passed through was dark, barely alit with any light… before a few more torches came into view, lighting the way forward.

“COME ON!! I ain’t got all day!” Roy’s voice beckoned.

“As I thought. He’s waiting for us.” Ludwig said. “Prepare yourself, Junior.”

“You act like I’m not ready! I’m always ready!” Junior said.

Ludwig smiled at that. “That’s nice to hear.”

The sound of a cheering audience once again caught the group’s attention as they stood just before another entry way. At the rim of entrance was an emblem that resembled Roy’s own face. The quartet stayed silent as they walked past the entrance and into another colosseum.

The deep red walls of the colosseum barely shone against the light of torches, and the arena seemed much larger than before. A spotlight shone on Roy, who stood firm and proud.

“Took ya long enough!” Roy said. “You ready, punks?”

The Bros. stood idly by, knowing this wasn’t their fight to take on. Roy grumbled a bit as he awaited a response.

“What? Have ya gone chicken?” Roy mocked.

“No. It is not them you shall fight.” Ludwig said. “Junior and I shall take you on.”

“Yeah! We can take you!” Junior said.

Roy seemed confused at that.. before a smirk appeared upon his lips.

“Tell ya what. You beat me, you go on ahead to the big guy!” Roy said. “And if you don’t… those brothers get it.”

…Junior and Ludwig looked back to the Bros. at that, wanting their approval, only to see them nod. They had high hopes for them. If they had gotten as far as they had, now facing the last Koopaling they needed to save, then surely they could take Roy out and win that bet.

The Koopas turned to face Roy, who still smirked their way. “Deal!” They both said.

Roy only chuckled at that as he then looked to the audience. “You all are in for a great show today!” He declared. “But this time, it ain’t the brothers I’m looking at… in the first corner, the Koopa duo, Bowser Jr. and Ludwig!”

A spotlight quickly appeared under the two Koopas, leaving the Bros. just barely out of the light’s reach.

“And, in the next corner, the man who runs this shindig…” Roy said, as he then brought his hands to his red stripped referee attire and tore it off, revealing bright red armor underneath. “ME!!! HAHAHA!!!”

The audience roared at the announcement, while Junior and Ludwig readied themselves. The Bros. then took a few steps back, being sure to stay out of their way amidst the fight.

“This win’s mine, punks!!” Roy declared. “You ain’t ready for ME!! I’ll BEAT YOU BOTH TO DUST!!!” Just as his words concluded, the gong on the colosseum roof had rung.

Roy pulled out his wand, summoning a large Bullet Bill from under him, which he now sat upon. Various other canons appeared at the sides of the colosseum. Roy charges forward to the Koopas, only for them to dodge.

“I ain’t playing around with the Bullet Bills anymore!” Roy called out from up in the air. “Come and catch me, punks!”

Junior and Ludwig then began running around the colosseum as the Bullets came after them, Roy occasionally getting in their way.

“How do we catch him!? He’s too fast!” Junior called out to Ludwig.

“Hm… perhaps we shall use the Bullet Bills to our advantage!” Ludwig said. “Grab my hand and follow me!”

Junior wasted no time in following Ludwig, quickly taking notice of the Bullets charging after them. The young Koopa grew hesitant as Ludwig closely watched Roy’s movement, eventually seeing him charge for them again.

“You sure about this, Ludwig!?” Junior asked.

“Trust me on this, Junior!” Ludwig said.

Ludwig readied his Star Magic at the end of his wand as Roy approached, quickly swerving away as Roy almost collided with him and Junior. The Bullets from behind the Koopas knocked Roy off course and caused him to hit the ground. Ludwig wasted no time in hitting Roy with a blast of Star Magic, doing clear damage to the tough Koopaling.

Roy then slowly got to his feet, recoiling as he shook himself out of the fog in his head. “Lousy cheaters! You ain’t got NOTHING on me!” He said as he then went inside his shell, revving like a motorcycle engine.

The armored Koopaling then blasted forward like a speeding car, smacking the wall as Junior and Ludwig fled. Roy stayed glued to the wall for a moment, giving the Koopa duo time to plan out their next move.

“I’ve got an idea!” Junior suddenly blurted. “How about I knock him around on my own? Then, right when I knock him down, you go in!”

“…Not bad. I will await my time to strike!” Ludwig said he treaded to where the Bros. stood to stay out of Junior and Roy’s path.

Junior entered his shell and revved up, charging toward Roy like a bull as Roy approached again. Their shells clashed against one another, creating small sparks that flew into the air.

This bout continued for awhile, the audience loudly cheering each time the two shells clashed or cornered each other into walls.

“You ain’t got the guts, kid!” Roy said from inside his shell as he and Junior clashed again. “Don’t ya know what you’ve thrown yourself into!?”

“Yeah I do! I’m big and strong, just as my papa says!” Junior retorted. “You don’t know what I’m capable of!”

Then, with one strong push forward, Roy was suddenly knocked back, his body exiting his shell as he fell backward.

“Ludwig! Come on!” Junior called out.

Ludwig didn’t hesitate as he hurried to Roy and slashed his wand through the air, causing the Star Magic within it to fly towards Roy, promptly hitting him.

Roy quickly got to his feet once he recovered, fury bubbling in his eyes behind his shades. “NO!!! I AIN’T LOSING, NOT ANYMORE!!! How about I finally show you the BIG GUNS!?”

With a wave of Roy’s wand, said wand suddenly transformed into a Banzai Bill, which Roy now sat upon. The cannons alongside the colosseum walls had turned orange and blue…

“You ain’t never gonna reach me once I got up to the roof!” Roy said. “Once this Banzai Bill hits the ground, you punks are DEAD!!! HAHAHAHA!!!”

Just as Roy began his ascent, orange and blue Bullet Bills hovered their way. The orange ones followed Junior while the blue ones followed Ludwig. Both of them tried their best to flee, despite the faster and swifter Bullet Bills.

“If he’s going up to the roof, how are we gonna catch him before he comes back down?” Junior asked Ludwig as he ran. “And he’s getting up there FAST!”

“We do what we did the first time.” Ludwig said. “Although I feel we’ll have to be extremely careful on our way up…”

“You mean like, parkour? I love parkour!” Junior said with a smirk. “I’m down for it!”

“Alright. You take the orange bullets, I take the blue ones.” Ludwig said.

“Gotcha!” Junior said back.

Both then leapt upward, falling upon the soaring bullets and slowly making their way up to the roof as Roy sped up. The crowd watched in anticipation as Roy crept up to the roof… noticing how far Junior and Ludwig were from him.

“Ludwig… I don’t think we can catch up to him!” Junior said from his orange Bill.

“…No! We haven’t lost yet!” Ludwig replied back from the blue Bill he stood on

“How!? He’s gonna pass us before we even reach the roof!” Junior retorted. “What could we possibly do!?”

Ludwig then glared to Junior with certain eyes. “I’m going to throw you up to Roy once he begins descending. I need you to hit him and throw him off course!”

“Huh!? Throw ME!?” Junior said. “Are you crazy!?”

“You mustn’t doubt me, Junior!” Ludwig replied. “Trust me!”

…Junior only pondered it for a moment, before eventually nodding to Ludwig, who only nodded back.

Once he was close enough, Ludwig leapt from his Bullet Bill and hovered to Junior. He barely landed atop Junior’s Bullet, before quickly grabbing the Prince and chucking him upward… just as Roy began his descent down.

The crowd roared in suspense as Junior made his way to the quickly descending Roy… just as Junior collided with Roy’s face, throwing the Koopaling off, and messing with the Banzai Bills trajectory. As Roy then fell through the air, the Banzai Bill reverted back to his wand.

“NO!! This ain’t the end of me!” Roy said. “You don’t know what you’re messing wi—!”

Before Roy could even finish his sentence, his body collided with the ground stomach first. His face was planted in the dirt on the colosseum floor, only for his head to be further pushed down by Junior landing on it.

“Thanks for the catch, Roy!” Junior said slyly, only to get an agitated grunt in response.

As the Bullet Bills began to lessen, Ludwig descended to the colosseum floor, waving his wand and sending one final blast Roy’s way. As the magic enveloped Roy, Ludwig fluttered through the air and landed next to Junior. The Bros. quickly approached them as Roy slowly reverted back to his usual self.

Once the magic had dissipated, Roy slowly awoke, sitting up and rubbing his head. “…Ughh… what happened?” Roy questioned as he then looked up to the Koopas and Bros. “…Lil Junior? Ludwig? What’re you doin’ here? And what’s with the red and green dirtbags!?”

“…It’s a lot to explain… But we are in an alliance with the brothers. We of the Koopa Troop can’t work alone; the Dark Lands go down, the Kingdom goes down with it.” Ludwig explained. “They’ve helped us get here, and save the Kingdom. All for Lord Bowser and the Minions.”

“Yeah! Glad to have you back!” Junior said. “Now all we got left is… papa…”

Roy looked to the brothers, a confused glint in his eyes hidden by his shades. He then looked to Junior and Ludwig in slight suspicion before sighing. “…Can’t argue against doing it for the big guy.” He said before eyeing the Bros. “But I’m onto ya, punks.”

The Bros. felt a slight shiver go up their spines that. They then nodded to the ferocious Koopaling.

“We best head away from here… the audience’s constant booing is not doing well for me.” Ludwig said. “Surely after this we shall reach the Ridge’s summit and find the brother’s next Spirit!”

As if fate had struck the group of heroes, a strong and loud rumbling came from above, as if a storm was coming. As the rumbling subsided, the sound of a roof being punched and broken apart… the roof…

Everyone in the colosseum looked up at the roof, noticing it cracking and small pieces of rock breaking off of it. The group of heroes quickly moved out of the way as it gave in, bringing dust and debris to the arena floor.

A large dust cloud blocked the heroes’ vision… until it eventually cleared; revealing a large, hulking figure amongst the debris.

The figure’s skin was a bright red, clad in bronze armor. The crimson ponytail upon its head flickered like a forest fire. Its cape blew slightly amidst the impact of its collision… just how Captain Toad had described him.

The armored figure then looked up to the heroes with a burning desire in his eyes that quickly became apparent… the desire to kill. He slowly stood up, revealing his second pair of muscular arms under his first one. Even from far away, he towered over every person in the arena.

“HAHAHAHAHAAA!!!” The figure bellowed. “Ahh! It feels good to do that!” He said as he cracked his knuckles, eventually staring down the hero quartet and Roy.

“…Perhaps… brothers,” Ludwig began. “This is your next Ztar Spirit!”

“There is no denying a thing, puny Koopa!” The Spirit mocked. “…You’ve all found your way into my trap! And my little lackey seems to have… failed me.”

“I’ll show you little, punk!” Roy said, immediately getting to his feet before Junior and Ludwig pulled him down.

“Roy, no!” Junior said.

“This Spirit is not to be tested!” Ludwig chastised.

The Spirit then seemed to eye the Bros., who both took on a fighting stance. He only laughed at them.

“Hah! How pitiful of ye!” The Spirit said. “Even with my lackey gone… you’re all still gonna be mince meat! No one can weaken me! HAHAHAHAHAAA!!!”

“…It seems with this Ztar Spirit’s weakened state, Muskular’s sailor soul is starting to show through… Mario! Luigi!” Cosmo suddenly called from the aether. “Free him from the Darkness!”

The Bros. stood firm, ready to fight again, while the Koopas walked back.

The Spirit chuckled. “…I know the Commander wanted me to just knock you around and bring you to her… but…” He started. “I think I’m gonna have some fun with you scallywags… especially you, Greenie.”

With only a single swift move of his hand; a large, spiked hammer appeared in the Spirit’s top left hand. He then wasted no time in leaping to the air and coming back down, creating a large shock wave in the ground and sending the heroes flying.

In a blink of an eye; Junior, Ludwig, and Roy were all knocked out, colliding with the arena floor as the Spirit threw their limp bodies down. Only the Bros. remained.

Luigi quickly glanced over to Mario, who glared back to him… and the man in green only watched as the Spirit punched Mario right across his face, knocking him out and sending him to the ground.

…Luigi was in complete shock. He didn’t know how to proceed.

Just before he hit the floor, expecting to be unconscious as well… one of the Spirit’s hands clutched onto the collar of Luigi’s undershirt, keeping his head inches away from the floor.

The Spirit stared into Luigi’s quivering soul. Luigi only stared back into the Spirits unwavering crimson eyes.

“Lights out, Greenie.” The Spirit said, before colliding his own head with Luigi’s.

~~~

…The sound of cheering slowly made itself noticeable to Luigi’s ears. It felt as if he was a robot being turned on for the first time in years.

His eyes then slowly opened, revealing a cloudy sky above, along with a cheering audience circling him. Luigi slowly rose, rubbing his now aching head, noticing he was sitting upon stone. As he rose to his feet, he realized where he was.

The summit of Rage Rock Ridge. It seemed not much different to the other colosseums, although he was now outside, standing upon the tainted Mushroom Kingdom’s highest peak.

“Luigi!!!” A familiar voice then called out.

Luigi then swiveled his head at the voice, gasping at what he saw. Mario, along with the Koopa children, were all trapped in a cage at the far end of the arena, which sat on a small pedestal. Each of them looked to him like trapped animals, wanting to be freed.

“Mario!!!” Luigi yelled back, wanting to go to him and free them, before a booming voice suddenly erupted through the air.

“I know we’ve all been waiting for this! Me especially!” The voice announced. “Wait no longer, this fight’s gonna make your blood BOIL!!”

Luigi shivered in place, feeling he’d be obliterated if he moved another inch… but Mario…

“In the first corner, the lean in green guy himself that no one remembers, Luigi!” The voice announced.

Luigi’s heart hurt at that comment as the audience boo’d… a lot of people knew him, remembered him, loved him…

“And in the next corner, the raging embodiment of destruction and wrath…” At that, the sky crackled with unyielding lightning as Luigi’s challenger collided to the ground. “ME!!! Muskuwrath, the Crimson Knight! HAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!”

Luigi gasped in his place as the audience roared, falling to the ground. The same figure who knocked he and the others down in only seconds. As he sat there, Muskuwrath eyeing him as he approached, he felt a sudden chill go up his spine.

“LUIGI!!!” Luigi heard Mario call out again… along with the faint sounds of him trying to break free from the cage he and the others were stuck in.

“You’ve got guts, Greenie.” Muskuwrath said, looking down upon Luigi. “…But you ain’t got the guts to take me.”

Luigi was silent as he slowly rose to his feet… before Muskuwrath punched him right in the stomach, sending him to one of the arena’s walls.

Amidst Mario’s struggle to escape the cage, the Koopa children watched Luigi recoil and slowly get up.

“Come on, Luigi!” Junior called.

“You can take such a foe, surely!” Ludwig said.

“Beat that punk to a pulp! …I guess.” Roy called out.

Luigi had only stood for a few moments before another shockwave sent him to the air, keeping him suspended just long enough for Muskuwrath to hit him multiple times as he fell.

He was punched and kicked in every place the deadly Spirit could reach. He slowly felt his bones give, hearing them crack. He could barely breathe, barely move, barely blink…

…And Mario only watched, alongside his fellow captives. He stopped struggling and watched as his brother got tossed through the air like a rag doll. He felt his heart ache as he stared onward toward his brother.

Eventually, after many hits, Muskuwrath stopped. He let Luigi fall to the ground. Luigi’s body limped to the arena floor, barely even conscious. He couldn’t get up due to his broken, bruised, and bloodied body.

“Luigi!!!” Mario called out. “LUIGI!!!”

Mario could barely see Luigi’s face from where he stood. His head faced the cage, only allowing him to see the top of his hat. He noticed Luigi trying to turn his head to look to him… but he couldn’t. Mario felt tears forming in his eyes then as he and the others called out to him.

Luigi then stared upward, noticing Muskuwrath’s blurry silhouette in the cloudy sky above him. He hovered there, staying in his spot as if he was wanting Luigi to writhe further.

“Hey, Greenie…” Muskuwrath said with a sinister smile. “How are you doin' down there? …From beyond the grave?”

…Luigi could feel Cosmo’s horror within his own head. Spine chills that weren’t his own…

After only a moment longer, Muskuwrath’s figure came charging downward back to the ground, his hammer being summoned to his hands as he descended. Luigi had barely any time to watch…

Then, in a split second, as if no time had passed at all… Luigi felt something metallic and sharp pierce his heart.

He held his breath as time seemed to slow. His vision blurred and colors faded into nothing. His ears had began to ring as silence started to overtake him. Any calls to him had now fallen quiet…

“…I… I can’t feel a heartbeat…” Cosmo said in horror… although, this time, only Mario could hear it.

Mario and the others were silent… before Mario felt an unyielding anger cloud his mind. All that he felt then was rage. Grief for the brother he held dear to him. He began to pry at the cage’s bars, desperately crying out to his brother. His hands began to burn, fire being brought to them, but it did nothing to the bars as he struggled to break out.

Muskuwrath then pulled his hammer out of the ground, the spike that had impaled Luigi keeping him suspended upon it. The Spirit looked upon Luigi’s limp body, a feeling of joy crossing his mind.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!! Puny little shrimp! Just as I thought!” Muskuwrath mocked. “…Now your brother gets to watch me finish you off.”

Mario was only further enraged by that. The Koopa children watched as he struggled further, still calling out to Luigi.

Muskwrath held his hammer upward as he walked to edge of the colosseum, to the one entry ways onto the summit. He held his hammer over the edge, staring upon the limp Luigi with glee, just barely hearing Mario call out to his brother.

“I enjoyed our time, Greenie. But, even good fights must end.” Muskuwrath said. “…And trash like you needs to be thrown out.”

With no hesitation, Muskuwrath pulled his arm back and threw it forward, causing Luigi’s body to get thrown off the hammer and begin his plummet to Ridge’s base.

“LUIGI!!!” Mario yelled out, tears streaming down his face.

Muskwrath then turned back and walked to Mario and the Koopas within the cage. To Mario, it felt like the longest moment of his life. He was at a complete loss… he didn’t know what to think or do. For what felt like the first time ever, his mind was blank. The Koopas only stared, recovering from what they had just seen as Muskwrath slowly approached.

~~~

…Away from the arena, Luigi’s limp body still fell. There was no feeling, mentally or physically, that Luigi himself felt… Cosmo felt alone, unable to feel Luigi’s presence within the man’s own head.

“…To feel what it felt like again… to be pinned like that, slowly dying at the hands of my foe…” Cosmo said. “I never thought I’d feel like that again… why must I be bound to this…?”

Words that only Cosmo himself could hear. A burden that only he bore… all while the wind blew against Luigi’s body, all while his dear friend fell to his absolute end.

…The clouds in the sky then rumbled, brewing like a cauldron, threatening to strike as lightning danced along the sky… before suddenly erupting downward, encasing the mountain… and striking Luigi just before he was to meet the ground.

Luigi’s body was suspended in the air, the top of his hat barely glazing the Ridge’s base…

“…Luigi…?” Cosmo asked… it was if he could just barely feel the man’s presence.

…Only then did Luigi’s eyes shoot open; a sudden, invigorating passion empowering him…

~~~

Muskwrath put his hammer away and smacked a hand onto the cage Mario and the Koopas were held in, looking to Mario with knowing eyes as the man in red slowly looked up at him.

“How was that, Red?” Muskuwrath asked. “Quite the spectacle, no?”

Mario’s eyes widened at that. How dare he mock his own brother, treating his actions as if they meant nothing to him? Mario’s grip on the bars tightened as they glowed a bright orange… his Firebrand was still doing nothing against the bars.

“Aw, don’t be like that! Can’t believe you actually care about him at all…” Muskuwrath said. That comment only made Mario more enraged.

“But now that he’s out of the way…” Muskuwrath said he looked down to Mario with joyous fury. “I’m gonna have fun painting the town red with your blood. HAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!”

Mario only writhed within his confinement as Muskwrath laughed. The Koopas kept their distance amidst their silent fear.

…But, the moment was swiftly interrupted by a sudden blue blur punching Muskwrath right in the jaw and sending him flying to one of the arenas walls.

The group within the cage only stared, soon taking notice of the figure’s silhouette as it turned to face them.

“…Luigi!! Luigi!!!” Mario cried.

Luigi was now alive again, his eyes glowing an azure blue. His injuries also seemed to be healed. Mario and the others were ecstatic to see him okay.

“HEY!!! What gives, Greenie!?” Muskuwrath called out as he got up and summoned his hammer. “You’re supposed to be DEAD!!!”

Muskuwrath then charged for Luigi, only for the man in green to grab the end of his hammer and throw him into the arena’s field. He then brought his hands to the cage and created a blast of thunder that blew the cage to bits. Once the blast had cleared, Mario immediately got to his feet and jumped down from the small pedestal, tightly wrapping his arms around his brother, who did the same back.

Once the blue light faded from Luigi’s eyes though, he began to feel weak again, falling to his knees before Mario, who held him up. Luigi’s breath was shallow and hoarse as his eyelids drooped.

As Mario scrambled in his head, Ludwig quickly brought him back to reality. “Mario! The Golden Mushroom in your pocket!”

Mario immediately remembered the golden item then, fishing through his pocket and handing it to Luigi, who quickly swallowed it whole. The man in green was then swiftly brought back to peak health as he and Mario stood up. Luigi then held out a hand and smiled as a ball of thunder materialized within his palm.

~ Luigi’s Thunderhand has been rekindled! Cosmic Thunder can now be used independently! ~

~ You’ve also got a new Bros. Attack! Super Cosmic Bros.! ~

From where he lay on the field, Muskuwrath slowly rose to his feet, staring the Bros. down as they once again got into their fighting stances.

“…Heh… I never lose a fight, you know.” Muskuwrath said. “Wanna bet that I can tear your insides out and nail them to the Mountain?”

…Despite the madly unorthodox and insane threat, the Bros. still stood strong. The Koopa children backed away a bit, still standing upon the pedestal where the cage had been.

“Do not back down, Mario and Luigi!” Ludwig said.

“Yeah! Beat him up!” Junior cheered alongside him.

“Uh… give that knucklehead what for!” Roy butted in… although cheering on the brothers still felt odd to him.

“A deal’s a deal, plumbers!” Muskuwrath said. “And I don’t back out of deals! But how about we fight somewhere more… up high?”

The Bros. begin to ponder what he meant. How could they go any higher than here? At that, a strong gust of wind blew in their faces. They looked up, now seeing a giant airship above the arena. They had only a second to react before Muskuwrath snapped his fingers, sending himself and the brothers onto the airship floor. LakiThunders appeared at the sides, holding cameras so that the audience below could watch.

“Now this is how I like it! Haha!” Muskuwrath said. “Now, your journey to stand above the Darkness ends here, plumbers!!”

A clap of thunder sounded off through the skies, initiating what would hopefully be the Bros. last round upon Rage Rock Ridge.

Without a word, Muskuwrath lifted his hammer with his upper pair of arms, eventually smacking it back down to create shockwaves along the ground. He hit the floor repeatedly, only for the Bros. to jump over each wave. Muskuwrath soon stopped, heaving a bit as his hammer rested on the ground.

“…Seems I started off too easy for ye…” Muskuwrath said with a tinge of pirate’s tongue. “But, I’ve gotta play fair for these fights. Let’s see what you brothers got!”

The Bros. wasted no time in using Mario’s elemental attack on the Spirit. To their surprise, it did way more damage than they thought it’d do against such a foe. As both Bros. returned to the their spots, Mario eyed Luigi… just what could his Super Cosmic Bros. do?

Luigi jumped over to Mario, who caught him by his legs. Luigi raised his arms upward as the clouds from above slowly descended. Small charges of green energy appeared from the clouds, which then turned blue as they began to strike the ground. Mario moved at every which way, moving to the green blasts as they changed color and the lightning hit the ground. As Mario moved about, Luigi caught each strike once it fell.

The more lightning that Luigi caught, the larger the lightning ball in his hands had become. Once fully charged, Mario positioned Luigi in his grip like a rocket launcher, allowing Luigi to then launch himself off of Mario and shoot toward Muskuwrath like a missile, the lightning blast in his hands encasing Muskuwrath and causing him to recoil as Luigi returned to his spot on the field.

Muskuwrath slowly recovered, coughing as he eyed the Bros. with malicious intent. “…Ohhh… feisty ones, aren’t you?” He said. “I’m gonna LIKE this!!”

The wrathful Spirit then eyed Mario, suddenly charging toward him with his hammer close in hand as he pelted Mario with the weapon. The man in red was suspended in the air as Muskuwrath smacked him around just as he had with Luigi. He then sent Mario back to the ground with a final swing of his hammer, causing Mario to get stuck in the airship’s floor.

“You’re all alone, Greenie!” Muskuwrath said. “Unless you got the strength to get him out!”

Luigi immediately took that as a bet as he raced to Mario and began tugging at his legs in attempt to pull him out. After many tugs, Mario was successfully pulled out the wooden boards. Both retreated to their spots as Muskuwrath began his next attack.

“Hey, Red!” Muskuwrath called out. “You want another beat down?”

In a blink of an eye, Muskuwrath charged for Mario with one of his upper hands pointed toward him. He then grabbed Mario by the neck and began to choke him.

“MARIO!!!” Luigi yelled out.

“How does that feel, Red?” Muskuwrath asked. “Now you know what your brother felt like!”

Mario then quickly pulled out his hammer and tried to smack Muskuwrath away… but it seemed like his head was made of tungsten. He wasn’t backing away easily. Only after many hits did he finally back off and let Mario go. Muskuwrath recoiled away while Mario rubbed his now aching neck.

“…You won’t beat me, not that easily!” Muskuwrath said. “But don’t you back down now! GIMME ALL YOU GOT!!!”

The Bros. did as commanded, and didn’t hold back as they used their elemental attacks on the Spirit. Despite the amount of damage done, Muskuwrath still stood proud and unwavering before the brothers.

“I’m a brick wall compared to you both!” Muskuwrath mocked. “I can hit like a truck too! Just watch!”

Muskuwrath then charged for Luigi, throwing a clenched fist forward as if he was preparing to punch him. Luigi readied his hammer as the Spirit approached… only for him to suddenly teleport away. Luigi stood confused, uncertain of how to proceed.

“LUIGI!!!” Mario called out.

Luigi turned back, only to be met with Muskuwrath now behind him, all four of his arms raised. The Spirit then brought his arms down, each one consecutively striking Luigi like cannonballs. Luigi was immediately dizzied by that as Muskuwrath went back to his spot on the field.

“Call that round 2!” Muskuwrath said. “And payback for not dying earlier. HAHA!!”

Mario then threw an herb Luigi’s way, who caught it in his mouth and swallowed it, which brought Luigi out of his daze. Once he had shaken the dizziness off, he and Mario utilized Super Cosmic Bros. on the Spirit again, ending their attack off as Muskuwrath prepared to charge again… this time, toward Mario.

Mario held his hammer out, waiting for Muskuwrath to strike as he prepared to punch him as he had Luigi. Just before he approached though, the Spirit had vanished… just as Mario was expecting.

The man in red turned back, hammer at the ready, being met with Muskuwrath’s gaze as he slammed his hammer down before the Spirit could hit him, sending Muskuwrath backward as he then teleported back to the his spot on the field.

“It isn’t as fun when you’re beating me, you know!” Muskuwrath said… he was slowly but surely being worn down.

The Bros. then began their round, getting to use their Elemental attacks again. This time, it actually seemed like Muskuwrath was getting weaker.

Muskuwrath huffed as he recoiled, giving the Bros. a furious glare. “I… never lose… I WON’T LOSE!!!”

The Spirit then began to spin with his hammer in hand, becoming that a mini tornado as the Bros. ran away. The Spirit only followed behind, pulling chunks of wood and debris up from the ground, which were chucked the Bros. way. They jumped and dodged with precision, eventually throwing small blasts of Fire and Thunder Muskuwrath’s way, disorienting him bit by bit, until his spinning began to slow as he became dizzy, allowing the Bros. to get away and get back to their battle spots.

“Ughhh… why… where…” Muskuwrath mumbled amidst his dizziness. “Brothers…”

The Bros. used this chance to attack further, bringing Muskuwrath even farther down. He then shook his dizziness off, now staring at the Bros. with death daggers.

“…You ain’t got nothing on me! NOTHING!!!” Muskuwrath said, his eyes now glowing a bright red. “I’LL PULVERIZE YOU INTO THE GROUND!!!”

Muskuwrath lifted his arms, creating a large rock within his hands. He then threw it to Luigi, who countered it away with his hammer. Muskuwrath did the same back. This movement went on for awhile, before Luigi charged his hammer up with thunder, sending it back Muskuwrath’s way and promptly hitting him.

The Bros. then attacked again, showing Muskuwrath no mercy as he had with them. As their attacks ended, and Muskuwrath slowly got back to his senses, he growled and sneered at the Bros. with maximum fury.

“I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF YE!!!” Muskuwrath yelled. “I’ll drag your lifeless husks to death’s door before you can even dare to BLINK!!! HRAAAAAAAGHHH!!!”

Muskuwrath then charges forward, trying his hardest to bring the Bros. down. But, regardless of how many times he attempts to hit them, the Bros. constantly dodge, as if they had learned and now knew his moves.

The Spirit then moved behind the Bros., forming a barrier of rock around his hammer, preparing to strike them both. As he strikes his hammer down though… both Bros. vanish.

“…Huh!? What!?” Muskuwrath exclaimed. He then looked forward…

Both Bros. were ahead of him, charging up their Stellar Finisher as Muskuwrath stared at them, stunned. The Spirit had no time to react as the Bros. leapt upward, and unleashed their ultimate power onto the corrupted Spirit, engulfing the Ridge in a bright white light…

…After what felt like an eternity, the light around the Ridge dissipated, and the sky above had cleared. The Bros. slowly awoke, as did the Koopa children… the brothers then notice they were off of the airship and now back on the Ridge’s summit. The arena, along with its audience, had disappeared… perhaps the audience was transported back along the Ridge.

Just ahead of the brothers, lying flat on its face, was a bright blue Star bearing a sailor hat. The Bros. slowly crept up to it as the Spirit, Muskular, began to awaken on his own, slowly rising into the air.

“…Arghhh… me head’s churnin'…” Muskular said as he slowly regained his bearings, shaking off his dizziness before giving the Bros. a hearty glare. “…Oh! Ahoy, lads! How fair ye? Nothin' hurtin'?”

The Bros. shake their heads at that, then giving Muskular a glare that asked the same.

“That’s great to hear! And, aye, I be fine!” Muskular said. “Me head’s a bit foggy, but I’ll be alright! Ho ho!”

Mario and Luigi both smiled at Muskular’s positivity and charisma… it was what they needed, especially after the fight they just had.

“Mario! Luigi!” Ludwig called as he and the other two Koopas headed to them. “Glad to see you both are safe.”

“Would’ve been nice to see you beat up that guy though.” Junior said. “He was a jerk!”

“…Aye, right... Sorry for the ruckus, lads. I wasn’t meself. Especially to ye, Luigi…” Muskular said, eyeing the Bros. with guilt. “That’s what Ztar Magic can do to ye. Taint yer heart with the brewin' malice of the deepest seas...”

The Bros. nodded at that… Luigi, despite what had transpired, seemed fine with the Spirit. Dark Magic is not kind to one’s soul, he knew that.

“I appreciate yer kindness. Ye both are highly noble!” Muskular said. “Just as noble as we hope ye to be… I wonder how the other Spirits are fairin'…”

“Muskular!” A calm, not too distant voice from behind called. “Thank the Haven you’re alright!”

The hearty Spirit didn’t hesitate to look back, seeing five other Stars approach the Ridge’s summit. The previous five Spirits hovered with haste over to their fellow friend, seeing him now freed from the Darkness.

“Ah! Ahoy, me hearties!” Muskular said as the Spirits approached. “How fair ye? It feels as if it’s been a millennium since I saw ye last…”

“We are fine…” Kalmar said. “Once I had taken notice of a bright light from outside the Dark Lands, I knew the brothers had rescued you. I gathered the others, and we all rushed to see you once more.”

“It feels great to see you as well, Muskular!” Klevar butted in. “…We’ve never been separated this long…”

“Yes, precisely.” Skolar said. “The last time I can recall such a thing occurring… I shudder to think…”

“Now is not the time to dwell on that!” Misstar said. “Mario! Luigi! There is still one more Spirit you must save!”

“Hm…” Skolar hummed with a nod. “Eldstar.”

“He should be in the land ahead, Sunbeam Plains!” Mamar said. “You haven’t got a moment to lose! You’ve both come so far, you can’t hold back now!”

“Aye, Mamar’s right!” Muskular said. “Be strong, just as ye had for all of us!”

“We will make a path to help you tread down the Ridge.” Kalmar said. “And take these Koopa children back to the Dark Lands with us.”

“…Actually… can we go with Mario and Luigi?” Junior asked. “Just to, y’know… chill with them for awhile longer, say bye. Roy can go with you though!”

“Oh, I see.” Mamar said. “Goodbyes are always hard… we’ll show when you need us!”

“Give us a holler, pray to the Stars, we’ll be there!” Klevar added.

“Yeah, don’t think I wanna stay with these chump plumbers anymore.” Roy said. “…Even if they’re kinda doin' us a service.”

“It is settled then. We will take Roy back with us.” Kalmar said. “You both let us know when you need to taken back to the Dark Lands.”

“And, Muskular… aren’t you forgetting something?” Skolar asked.

“Huh? …Oh, aye! We can’t leave the Ridge without protection!” Muskular said.

Muskular raised his arms, creating a barrier around Rickety Rock Ridge… to think almost every area in the Mushroom Kingdom had been freed from Nox’s reign was exhilarating.

“Now, we shall prepare your route to the Mountain base… be safe on your way down!” Kalmar said.

The six Spirits then joined together, forming a glittering pathway down to the Ridge’s base. The quartet wasted no time in heading off as the Spirits wished them good luck and farewell, eventually heading away themselves with Roy in tow.

~~~

Commander Nox waited in the foyer to Bowser’s Castle, awaiting the return of Bowzer and Ztarlow… with each passing minute, she grew more impatient.

After only a few moments more did the front gate creep open, revealing the two generals, who weakly waddled their way in. Nox had no words.

“…What!? What happened to you!? Where are the brothers!?” Nox demanded.

“…They, um… they got away, Commander.” Bowzer said.

“They got us good, too… and the Ztar Spirit’s Koopaling booted us out.” Ztarlow said. “And… the Ridge was taken back as we departed…”

…Nox felt as if her head could explode. So much had been lost, all due to the duo’s incompetence. Her and her Master were so close to losing everything… she had about had it.

“…All my Master asks is something simple… any Minion with enough competence could do it!” Nox said. “But, Shadows forbid, you do ANYTHING right!! …Once I get him here, your fates are at my Master’s mercy. Wait here.”

The Commander then turned a heel, going off to find the Dark Star… all while the generals waited in silence and shame.

~~~

The Dark Star stood in one of the Castle’s many bathrooms, staring at his own reflection in one of the mirrors… he didn’t fully feel like himself, even though his body was his. He felt lost… he hated that.

Not only that… but the chances of he and Nox finally taking the Mushroom Kingdom had begun teetering on the edge of destruction.

“…Having the doubtings, yes?” Fawful said from within the Dark Star’s head. “The Darkness’ plan of Darkness is crumbling before the Dark Star of oh-so masterful havings, yes?”

“…Leave me be, you fool.” The Dark Star said.

“Have the thinkings, oh-so great Dark Star! Your silly little plan of Darkness conquerings is falling apart like a flimsy tower of stupid blocks that is stupid!” Fawful said. “You are having the losings of the control havings… all because of Fawful!”

“No… my body is my own.” The Dark Star said. “It was never yours, and it never will be.”

“But you are full of forgettings!” Fawful said. “Fawful can take your mind just as Fawful pleases! Have the plan thwartings that the Dark Star never has the seeings of! And Fawful will have the victories as the Dark Star has the cryings like a baby of stupid!”

The Dark Star could feel his head starting to hurt. “…N-no! I AM in control! I WILL be in control…! I-I have to be… for my people… for her…”

“Awww! Fawful laughs at you! Dark Star full of pathetic havings like a child full of the silly embarrassment havings!” Fawful mocked. “The Furious Age of Fawful… has the findings to YOU!!!”

The Dark Star’s head began to pound as Fawful tried to sneak his way into his headspace again. He tightly clutched his head, huffing. “…No! NO!!! You will not take me… YOU WILL NOT HAVE ME!!!”

“The Dark Power of Darkness that was promised to Fawful… it will be Fawful’s! You will have the losings!” Fawful said. “I HAVE FURY!!!”

“…No… GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!! ” The Dark Star yelled as he then reeled a fist back and punched the mirror in front of him, causing glass to go everywhere.

“…I am the Master of Darkness Incarnate!” The Dark Star said as he huffed. “I shall not be controlled by some mere BUG!!!”

…The Dark Star then recoiled as he felt Fawful leaving him alone, his chortling echoing in his mind… the air felt calm, yet extremely cold.

“Master! Are you alright!?” Nox called from outside.

The Dark Star’s eyes widened at Nox’s sudden call. He felt disappointed in himself… he couldn’t hide from her, not anymore. “…Come in.” He said as he unlocked the door.

Nox quickly let herself in and looked upon the shaken the Dark Star, then eyed the broken mirror. “Master… what happened in here…?”

The Lord of Darkness then sighed. “…My apologies, Nox. I almost lost myself, again… to that foul bug.” He said. “I do not know how long my body will stay stable for… I feel like I’m falling apart… I’m certain the barrier outside is weakening with my waning power…”

The Commander’s heart stopped for a moment as she took a long pause. She felt guilt cross her heart as she looked back to her Master. “…What are we to do…?”

“…For now… we must leave this place. Recoup, and make our way back to the Kingdom’s center.” The Dark Star said. “I have a plan in mind… how to fix my body and power… and something to be rid of those brothers for good.”

“…What is your plan, Master?” Nox asked.

“I shall explain the rest later once my mind is more clear… but, Eradication Zero… Our last chance…” The Dark Star said coldly.

Nox’s eyes went wide at that. “But… Master!” She retorted. “What about all we’ve worked for!? We’ve both done too much to back out now!”

“What matters to me is that I’ll have myself…” The Dark Star said, before looking up to Nox and grabbing her hand. “…And I’ll still have you. Without the brothers in our way, not even the Star Spirits will be able to stop us.”

…With much hesitation, Nox eventually nodded. “I will round up the Minions and Dark Order. Once gathered, we will depart immediately.” She said.

The Dark Star nodded. “I shall return to the throne.” He said. “Let me know when we are ready to depart.”

Nox nodded back. “Let me bring you back to the throne…” She said as she then escorted the Dark Star out of the bathroom.

With a plan this serious, Bowzer and Ztarlow’s punishment could wait.

~~~

The Minions waited in the Manoir Glouton’s foyer, awaiting the return of the Star Spirits. Kamek was with Toadsworth, sitting upon one of the foyer’s cushions, while the old Toad remained asleep. The room was entirely quiet amidst the Minions’ boredom.

“…I’m boooooored.” Lemmy complained.

“MORTON BRAIN… BECOME NUMB…” Morton said.

“How much longer do we have to wait?” Wendy asked. “I’m starting to go insane being stuck here.”

“It hasn’t been that long, Wendy!” Larry said. “It shouldn’t be much longer either, they can fly!”

A small knock on the Manor’s door immediately alerted Kamek, who rushed over to let in the returning guests.

“Ah! Roy!” Kamek said. “Great to have you back, but… where is Ludwig and the young Prince?” He asked, looking to the Spirits as he lets the Stars and Roy inside.

“They wanted to stay with those chumps some more… to say bye.” Roy said.

“They’ll let us know when they need to come back.” Kalmar said. “…And, apologies to drop this conversation so quickly, but we have some important news to share.” This quickly caught the attention of the others in the foyer.

“Commander Nox and the Dark Star have fled Bowser’s Castle!” Klevar said. “The barrier around the Castle has also disappeared… don’t worry, we’ve put a new barrier in its place for you!”

“With their airship’s trajectory, it is presumed they are heading back to the Princess’ Castle.” Skolar added. “With the dark harbingers gone, you all can return to your King’s Castle.”

“Yay! We can finally go back home!” Lemmy cheered.

“But what about Lord Bowser!? He’s still missing!” Captain Goomba asked.

“I fear that is something to worry about when the brothers have freed the last Star Spirit, Eldstar.” Kalmar said.

“But… okay.” Captain Goomba reluctantly agreed… although, he felt he couldn’t fully push the desire to save his King away.

“You all are permitted to go back to your home.” Misstar said. “We’ll stay here and keep an eye on the Princess’ advisor.”

“…P-PRINCESS!? Where is she!? Where is the Princess!?” Toadsworth said, now suddenly awake.

The Spirits recoiled a bit… the Princess having been away for so long seemed to make his mind deteriorate.

“I’ll stay as well. The Minions should be fine on their own.” Kamek said. “Just to help you keep an eye on the old Toad.”

“Ah, thank you, Kamek.” Misstar said. “We greatly appreciate the helping hand.”

“Excuse me… what are we still waiting for?” Wendy asked. “Let’s just get back to the Castle already.” Even if nothing was directed at her, Mamar was still displeased by Wendy’s tone.

“Yeah, I’m already sick of being in here… let’s go.” Roy said.

The Minions then departed from the Manor, the Spirits bidding them farewell… while Toadsworth began calling out for the Princess, Kamek trying his hardest to calm him down.

~~~

…With a hard thud, the Elite Trio finally landed from their fall within Meanbeam Plains. The Dark Star’s arrows hit extremely hard, to their surprise.

“…Ughhhh… you all okay?” Private Goomp asked as he slowly rose.

“…Affirmative… but my head hurts…” Sergeant Guy confirmed.

“…I’m fine… but, where did we land?” Corporal Paraplonk asked.

The Trio looked around as the cold wind blew. The Plains were extremely barren, littered with weapons that had gone long unused…

“…Pitiful. How extremely pitiful.” A deep yet suave voice said from behind the trio. The Trio then turned back, each member gasping in unison.

Just behind them, the ever so prideful Pridezar towered over them. His dark purple skin almost looked black against the lack of light within the Plains. His long hair and the feathers upon his hat blew gently in the wind. Despite his odd Shakespearean attire, he still made his presence known with the singular red eye upon the lavender mask that only covered half of his face.

“U-uh—! Heyyyy… what was your name again?” Private Goomp asked.

“Fool! Incompetent, incompetent FOOL!!” Pridezar yelled. “You lack that much comprehension, that you can’t even remember the name of ME!! How dare you!?”

“I-it’s just been a bit, sir—!” Sergeant Guy started.

“I care not for your excuses!” Pridezar said. “You foil me… over CHAIRS!?”

“You never gave them to us!” Corporal Paraplonk added.

…Pridezar then relaxed a bit, bringng a hand to his face. “…Just because this part failed… doesn’t mean the show is over just yet…”

“What… huh…?” Private Goomp asked as he and the others quivered.

“You fail to see what only I can… for shame.” Pridezar said. “Despite your failures, and your insignificant lives… I still have plans for all of you…”

With a snap of Pridezar’s fingers, thin puppet strings came down upon the Elite Trio, suddenly bringing the world to black…

- END OF CHAPTER 6 -

~~~

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